All might change around when the four teams get involve in their respective matches on Sunday, but regardless of what occurs, each team is likely to aim for a spot at the top of their group only for one reason: getting closer to the knockout phase.
Gabon vs Tunisia – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations Match Preview
Gabon will play against Tunisia at 16:00 GMT; at the Nossa Senhora do Monte.
Gabon
Gabon’s Azingo Nationale stunned the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon by beating them 1-0 through a first half goal from skipper Daniel Cousin on January 13, and this inspiring victory is somehow what could keep them going powerfully in this tournament.
Their next mission will be to bring down the Eagles of Carthage in Lubango, but they might not have such a lucky moment this time around.
Tunisia
The Tunisians drew 1-1 against Zambia in front of 17,000 fans on match-day 1, but as angry contenders, they cannot afford to have another winless game, which could obviously jeopardize their chances of getting their name registered in the quarter-finals of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
Their midfielder Souheil Dhaouadi was is only goal scorer so far, as strikers Amine Chermiti and Youssef Msakni are yet to shine in the competition. Sunday afternoon will be their opportunity to grab the spotlights and help their country feel proud; whereas Daniel Cousin’s efforts to keep the spirit of his team high continue.
Cameroon vs Zambia – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations Match Preview
Cameroon
Failing to get a point on the first match-day is definitely the worst start in a tournament the Cameroonians could ever think about. Moreover, what seems to be the main point is that the Indomitable Lions lost their points to Gabon – who were said to be a “lowly” side.
In effect, a team’s performance is much more important than rumors and beliefs from the public, but despite the fact that Gabon were strong and firm, being unable to score a goal isn’t a good sign for Cameroon.
Next, they will meet Zambia at 18:30 GMT, once again at the Nossa Senhora do Monte. This game could partly determine whether the Cameroonians will have to pack their bags to go home, or whether they will live up to expectations throughout the rest of the tournament.
Zambia
Either way, this wouldn’t matter for the Zambians; they were unable to steal a win in their game against Tunisia, and for sure, they wouldn’t want to have less than 3 points in Lubango this Sunday.
Cameroon have a set of strong players including Samuel Eto’o, Rigobert Song, and Carlos Kameni – but in any case, this will not really trouble the Chipolopolo.
Zambia benefit from the indispensable services of the Katongo brothers (Felix and Christopher Katongo), who have been the rocks of the national team for a few years now. None of them was however capable of scoring a goal after their country mate Jacob Mulenga gave his side the lead against the Eagles of Carthage; hence, 1-1 the game ended.
In addition to Zambia’s hard work to overcome their scoring problems, they also need to strengthen their back lines. Their goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene showed great signs of weakness on several occasions, but in reality, this is one of the things Coach Hervé Renard would try to fix, especially when his side fights a country containing the likes of the dangerous striker Samuel Eto’o.
