AFCON 2021: Gambia’s odds of defeating Cameroon are just 20% – Saintfiet
Gambia coach, Tom Saintfiet while speaking ahead of Gambia quarterfinal match against Cameroon says the Scorpions have low odds of defeating Cameroon.
The Scorpions and Indomitable Lions are preparing for a quarterfinal showdown at the Japoma stadium later today at 17.00.
While Cameroon has played in the quarterfinals of AFCON many times, this is the first time Gambia will play in the quarterfinal of the tournament. The beautiful thing is, they are doing it in their first appearance at the continental showpiece.
Gambia on their road to the quarterfinals have defeated teams well ranked above them in latest fifa ranking. The 150th ranked team in the world defeated Mauritania 1-0 – ranked 103. Also, defeated Tunisia 1-0 – ranked 30th. They drew Mali 1-1 – ranked 53rd before beating Liverpool’s Naby Keita’s team 1-0 – ranked 81st best team in the world, to progress to the quarterfinal.
Later today, they will lock horns with the 50th best team in the world – Cameroon for a place in the semi-final.
Saintfiet while speaking ahead of the match says Cameroon are one of the greatest teams in the world, and his team have just 20% chance against them.
“Cameroon, one of the greatest nations in African and even world football, is the big favorite. I give my team a 20 percent chance. Saintfeit told the media.
“But we are used to it and since I took office, it has always been the case. We had to fight against stronger teams than us and we managed to get by.
“Against Cameroon, we will not be afraid, we will play to the fullest. It’s a bonus match. We visited Limbé, Bafoussam and now Douala, and we want to continue to Yaoundé”.
Abile Jallow who has scored two goals for the Scorpions in this tournament said they will play the game with the full intention of going through to the semifinals.
“It will be a tough match, but we are well prepared to go for the win. As in previous games, we will put all the assets on our side to pass.
”Cameroon will be accompanied by its fans; they are the ones under pressure. We will play our game with the firm intention of going through.”
Cameroon, on their quest to win the AFCON title for the sixth time only drew Cape Verde after a 4-1 demolition of Ethiopia. They defeated Burkina Faso and Comoros 2-1 in their first match and fourth match in AFCON 2021 respectively.
Against Gambia, their objective is to win, according to Cameroon gaffer, Antonio Conceiçao
“We have managed a positive course, a satisfactory record so far. Against Gambia, the objective is to win. We are a playful team that likes to take the game on its own. Conceiçao told the media
“Against us, there will be a team that defends well and has 5-6 high quality attacking players. Everything is possible even if we only consider victory.”
Jean Charles, Cameroon defender echoes the same statement that they are going for victory against the Scorpions
“I am very happy to take part in this competition, everything is going very well, we have had a good run so far and against Gambia, the objective remains victory.
“ We will play against a good team. In Douala, we have good memories. The reception is fantastic and we expect to have a popular fervor behind the team”. As quoted by cafonline
