Cameroon, Ivory Coast in heavyweight clash

The champions of romantic football are set for a grueling battle at Huye Stadium in Butare on Saturday in a do-or-die quarterfinal clash that will define the true hero of the much-awaited West African derby that pits Ivory Coast with Cameroon at the 2016 Chan.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast advanced to the knockout stage following wins over Gabon and Morocco; having lost 0-1 to the hosts in the opening game of the tournament.

Ivory Coast coach, Michel Dussuyer, knows the real importance of the crunch clash as much is expected after the nation, who won the 2015 African Cup of Nations and it will be a significant moment as they seek another convincing win as they are fast becoming integral members among the African elites.

“We have been improving with every game we played and scoring four goals against Gabon was a positive sign of what we are capable of doing as it gave a lot of confidence to the team that yes they can go far in the tournament.

“Cameroon is a very respected side so you should expect a crunch match full of action from both sides but again as a coach my motive and aspiration is to beat the Indomitable Lions hands down at Huye at that point I will know we have a chance of clinching the tournament as it's now one game at a time which are all a must win,” Dussuyer told supersport.com.

“We have a mission and that mission is to stop Cameroon it is tough but not impossible as we have the capacity and the players that can rise up to any occasion though we will have to be cautious from the first whistle as they are technically and tactically very good.”

Dussuyer will be spoiled for choice from his very talented side with the like of Badra Ali Sangare, Marcelin Koffi, Mahan Goua, Essis Aka, Soualio Quattara, Krahire Zakri, Yace Okpekon, Cheick Comara, and skipper Yao Serge Nguessan expected to start against Cameroon.

Indeed, Ivory Coast might be the team to watch but Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions are the team to beat with their statistic loaded with implications. Yet the most important one for the Lions’ fans is that the team have finally got back their mojo at the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda.

The Indomitable Lions were extremely efficient in attack and are sure to cause the Elephants’ defence all sorts of problems in what will be the referred to as the West African derby.

Having reached the quarters, Cameroon head coach, Mpile Martin Ndtoungou, wants his team to go all the way and win the trophy as he believes his team can achieve that feat as long as they can go past the Elephants.

“Having a good performance against the toughest team in our group and drawing with Ethiopia confirms the uncertainties in football. We prepared for this game just like any other match. We are facing one of the favourites in the tournament Ivory Coast a match that has so many implications and if we go through then I think we will be unstoppable until the final.

“We have no option but to treat the game against Ivory Coast as a final. It’s a do-or-die moment where only a win will determine our destiny in the competition we cannot afford to lose at their expense,” Mpile told supersport.com.

“I have told my players the match will decide if they will continue to showcase their skills here in Rwanda. It might be tough but nothing is impossible in football as long as you have the determination to get on top.”

Mpile will depend on his players such as Djetei Mohamed, Aaron Mbimbe II, Yazid Arouba, Nlend Samuel, Mouami Brice, Kombi Dore, Samuel Gouet, and captain Nyame Hugo Patick to help them earn the bragging rights.

The winner will face either Mali on Tunisia in the last four. Kick-off at the Stade Huye is scheduled for 18h00 CAT.