Confirmation match for Lions

The Indomitable Lions, winners of the first meeting Niamey (3-0), approach the second leg with confidence, but caution.

They are confident because, beyond the score of the first game, the team gave optimism thanks to the developed quality play in the game.

The Cameroon team presented a rather appealing face in Niamey, resolutely offensive with a homogeneous and balanced block.

"This is a completely different game in terms of context. Cameroon plays at home having been largely won out. The pressure will include expectations for the quality of the game. The public does not expect the Indomitable Lions to perform badly after dominating in Niamey. Forget the first game and launch the challenge for this rematch," said Clement Nzeko, coach and football analyst.

The challenge is, of course, to qualify for the third qualifying round of the playoffs. This phase will run from October 3, 2016, to November 14, 2017, and will see the 20 qualified teams divided into five groups of four teams. The first of each group will qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

At the individual level, the meeting could allow other players to stand, in the absence of some of last Friday starters. But the Indomitable Lions should not undermine the Mena of Niger, despite their advantage.

"The Nigerian team had some absences during the first leg and paid dearly for these aberrations. However, its attackers had interesting encounters with the Cameroonian defense. Moussa Maazou, in particular, did not have a great day. And today, the Niger has nothing to lose and will play without pressure," added Clement Nzeko.

Also, François Zahoui, the coach of the Niger, will have to find the right words and the right device to revive his team, who displayed many defensive shortcomings during the first leg. "We can also make a hold-up in Yaounde," said the deputy.

To maintain the "alert", the Indomitable Lions were at the CAF Excellence Centre Mbankomo on Sunday and were visited by Minister of Sport and Physical Education (MINSEP), Bidoung Mpkatt.

The MINSEP was accompanied by the President of the Cameroon Football Federation, Tombi A Roko Sidiki, and Roger Milla.

The public are expected in their numbers this afternoon at the Omnisports stadium in Yaounde to support the national team.