Cameroon vs Cote d’Ivoire: Leaders share sentiments

In anticipation towards the Cameroon-Cote d'Ivoire match, below is what the Coaches and captains of both teams had to say.

Ndtoungou Mpile Martin (Head Coach, Cameroon)

I’m not going to talk about tactics but I promise it will be a good match. We were in a very difficult group with DR Congo, Angola and Ethiopia but we were able to achieve our target. We finished top of the group and qualified for the quarter-finals.

The first job has been very well done. Cameroon is Cameroon; we came here for the trophy. My players are very concentrated and ready for the match. We are starting a new phase and we have to win against Cote d’Ivoire.

Nyame Hugo Patrick (Captain, Cameroon)

We have a very good team. I was present at the 2011 edition in Sudan and the difference, this time, is that we have very good players with a perfect mentality. The fighting spirit is very high. We are here to win the tournament.

The presence of Roger Mila is also a good boost for the team. He has been supporting us and he raises our morale. We are ready and looking forward to win the match and qualify to the semi-final.

Michel Dussuyer (Head Coach, Cote d’Ivoire)

I have very young players in my team with average age of 19 years. For some of them along with some experienced players like the captain Serge N'guessan and Badra Ali the goalkeeper who play for the senior national team, the blend between the young talented players and experienced makes my mission easier.

Cameroon Vs Cote d’Ivoire is the derby of Africa so everyone will watch an interesting match because both teams always play with a positive spirit and determination to win. It is the first time for Cote d’Ivoire to be in the quarter-final. The fans are very happy and we are looking forward to it. I have a good team and we are capable of beating Cameroon.

Yao Serge N'guessan (Captain, Cote d’Ivoire)

I like Cameroon so much. I respect the ‘Indomitable Lions’ and since I was young I used to watch the matches between Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon with players such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o. It’s always a pleasure to play against Cameroon and we will do our best to win and qualify for the semis.