A SWOT Analysis of Cub Lions' Performance at Beijing Olympics

By George Esunge Fominyen

Cameroon’s hopes of repeating their gold winning exploit at the Olympic Games in China ended on 16 August 2008. The cub indomitable Lions were beaten 2-0 by Brazil. The South Americans were led by Ronaldinho who was aged 20 when Cameroon knocked Brazil out at the very quarter finals stage of the competition eight years ago in Sydney, Australia. Having followed the qualifiers to this competition and the All Africa Games in which the U-23 Lions won their third consecutive gold medal, I had hoped they would give us much more pleasure with their vibrant football. Instead of pulling out knives to finish-off this pack of cub lions (as I observed some commentators do on Cameroon TV channels); I propose a SWOT analysis of their performance.

Strengths:

• Cohesion and Movement: This pack of cub indomitable lions played as a compact unit from back to front. They defended as a block and looked impregnable most times. Unlike the senior team that relied on long balls to the front during the last Africa Cup of Nations, this team took the game forward through passing with lots of movement in waves by the various compartments

• Talented Wide Players: It has been a long while since I have seen a Cameroon national team at such level play with such gifted wide-midfield players. In Frank Songo’o (whose dribbling is fantastic), Aurelien Chedjou, Olle Olle junior and (on his good day) Serge Ngal, the future of Cameroon's wing play seems assured.

• Defensive Midfielders: Cameroon is awash with players in this position: Mbami, Makoun, Seidou, Binya, Ngeumo, Djeng, etc.  However, Alexander Song and Stephane Mbia have demonstrated that they are a cut above the others.  In addition both men can practically play at every other position in the field (centre-back, right-back, offensive mid-field).  Georges Mandjeck also displayed character in this position and even provided support to the attack alongside his mates Stephane Mbia  and Alexander Song.

• Good defence: The team played four games and conceded three goals. On pure statistics this does not qualify as good defending. However, in their three first round games the Lions conceded only one goal (from a set-piece) and Brazil only scored after 101 minutes of play with Cameroon down to 10 men. The central defenders –André Bikey, Enam Mendomo, Nkoulou Ndoubena and Song Alexander were very impressive.

•   Quality Coaching: Martin Ntdoungou Mpile succeeded to make a difference with every change he made (apart from the game against Brazil). He managed his often shortened team (due to expulsions and injuries) as best as he could. It is unfortunate he did not reach his final goal.

Weaknesses

• Lousy Attack line: In four games the cubs only managed to score two goals. Worse still, both goals were the handiwork of defensive midfielders (Mbia and Mandjeck). Christian Bekamenga lacked pace and precision; Bebbe Mbangue (brought in as an over aged player) failed to display any cutting-edge rhythm; Serge Ngal could joggle the ball but never looked dangerous enough to make the killer finish; while Marc Mboua did not display anything different in the time he spent on the pitch against Brazil (his only game). One could clearly see why the coach wanted and definitely needed Samuel Eto’o in this squad.

• Doubtful full-backs: Bebbé Kingue at right back looked good when he surged forward to support his winger; but he often failed to re-position himself afterwards. His first touch was poor and he easily picked up cards. Antonio Ghomsi who played left back did not appear promising. His first touch was equally poor and his passing needs to improve. But the cover they had from their midfielders and their sheer determination compensated for such lapses.

• Nervousness and Ruggedness: Cameroon earned a pitiful record of having 3 players sent –off in four games played. Albert Banning managing the feat of being given his marching orders twice in the tournament. Each time a player was red-carded, it triggered a defensive and nervous twist to Cameroon’s play. At the quarter-finals this was compounded by the urgency to equalize after Brazil's curtain raiser. It inevitably led to the killer second goal.

• Immaturity: Apart from Alexander Song, André  Bikey and Stephane Mbia who had played with the senior team the rest of the players demonstrated gross immaturity.

Opportunities:

• This team has revealed the basis of future strong centre-back options for Cameroon. André Bikey and Nkoulou Ndoubena have the gems of the next Raymond Kalla or Emmanuel Kunde. With Alexandre Song and Stepane Mbia there is even broader scope to pick as Cameroon sets focus on World Cup 2010.

• Pick the wingers for the senior squad. The left wing in the current senior team is a patchwork where the coach rotates the likes of Alain Nkong, Idrissou Mohammadou, Achilles Emana and Samuel Eto’o. What about trying Olle Olle or Aurelien Chedjou? Even Frank Songo’o displayed aptitudes in that wing although he would be better off playing to the right where Otto Pfister has tested Joel Epalle, Achilles Emana, and now Jean Makoun with relative success.

• Maintain this squad and organize friendly matches in tandem with the senior squad. This should enhance cohesion for an eventual injection in small doses into the senior national squad.

• Ensure that those who are still under 20 are available for that category when it begins qualifiers

Threats:

• The players lose focus due to media praises and fail to concentrate in their clubs; they would lose their places and drop in form (Djemba Djemba and Modeste Mbami lived this experience)

• They make poor choices in terms of their clubs. Preferring to go to big clubs for money and eventually not having enough play time

• They may be overlooked by the senior national trainer even for positions where there is need for their talent in the main team

• They are hastily called-up and picked for crucial games with the senior Indomitable Lions where they fail to shine and are forgotten thereafter

• No consistent follow-up is ensured for the U-23 side until the next All Africa Games qualifications (thus neglecting such talent to rot).

Comments

[batimu]

It is rather unfortunate that the olympic squad bowed ot of the competition at this stage.Some lovers of the game of football out here were quite bitter because they were onced again deprived of their pride of those tarditional colours(Green, Red and Yellow).It is no longer news that the game of football stands out tall as a unifying factor in Cameroon, so each time a team goes out for a competition ,hopes reamin high, but when those hopes go crashing on the wall;that brings some bitterness.
Your article , i hope will be read by many for the analysis is quite good that i hope it is going to trigger off some thoughts of oevrhauling the national team.The U-23, i have also noticed are always abandoned , even those in their 20's are always neglected leading to talent rot. Well let Fecafoot or whatever sit up and those put in place to manage the national team do their homework, because it has been too long that we have been yearning for another big trophy like the Nations Cup or even an olympic Gold medal in the game of football." Cameroon indomitable Lions, All pipi diy wait for see whona for top form for South Africa 2010, make whona tum mbalon"

[GEF]

Batimu,

Indeed, it is time for authorities to maintain constant follow-up on the U-23 squad. Most often it is forgotten until the next qualifiers. The coaches have to start work from scratch every time. Elsewhere in the world, federations organise matches for the U-23 or U-21 squads at the same time as the national team.

For instance, FECAFOOT could arrange that every time the senior lions are playing against an opponent, the U-21 or U-23 play a day ahead or after with that same opponent.

My view is that CAF could even make that a rule as the UEFA does with its under-age competitions. That should build African teams and prepare their players for senior level competitions.

GEF