TOPS
Perfectly concentrated from the start to the end of this match, Guinea’s defense repelled almost all of Cameroon’s chances. Despite a goal conceded after returning from the locker room (1-1, 49th), the defenders were behind each opposing center, thus pushing back the hopes of victory for the Indomitable Lions. They also held their duels, notably by pushing N’koudou to take the ball out numerous times. A solidity which is worth a point against the Indomitable Lions (1-1), and at 10 against 11!
The Guinean striker started the match perfectly. By opening the score in the 10th minute, he logically solidified the Guinean domination at the start of the match. Then even when the Cameroonians went on the attack again, he continued to make calls behind the defense to tire out his opponents. Following the expulsion of his captain, he was able to adapt and did not hide when it was necessary to press while outnumbered. He finished with the player of the match trophy.
FLOPS
Too imprecise in the last or penultimate gesture, the Cameroonian attackers will have to correct (or at least frame) the shot during their opposition against Senegal on Friday January 19 (6 p.m.). Georges-Kevin N’koudou often showed good intentions, like his assist for Frank Magri (1-1, 49th), which put the two teams back on level terms. But apart from this pass, the former OM winger often lacked realism, just like his teammates. Magri was at the creation of certain centers but also lacked precision. Karl Toko Ekambi, despite his good shot released by Koné at the end of the match (87th), failed to weigh on the Guinean defense. Often poorly placed at the drop-off from centers, he also did not offer sharp calls. The Cameroonians already have their backs against the wall before facing Senegal on Friday.
The Guinean captain received a red card just before the break for a foul on Frank Magri who was going on a counter-attack in midfield. After a good start to the match, Guinea began to suffer more and more from Cameroonian offensives. Their captain’s card penalized the Guineans who failed to hold off their numerically inferior opponents during this second half. The foul was nevertheless intelligent because it prevented Magri from heading towards the goal before the break, but the two soles pressed by the captain on the opposing attacker were not seen that way by the referee. After reviewing the VAR images, it is logical that the latter changed the color of the card from yellow to red.
