On Tuesday nit, Cameroon's capital was buzzing with celebrations as the Indomitable Lions qualified for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following their crushing 3-0 victory over Burundi in Garoua.
September 12, 2023 will go down in the annals of Cameroonian soccer. On a memorable night that will live long in the memories of their fans, the Indomitable Lions secured their ticket to a 22nd appearance at the AFCON 2023, beating Burundi 3-0 in Garoua, Cameroon's second city. The victory was celebrated well into the night by many of Yaoundé's residents.
The streets of Cameroon's capital were lit up by the headlights of vehicles and the passion of fans as they celebrated their national team's victory.One of the centers of the action was the Messamendongo crossroads in Odza, a district of the city's fourth arrondissement. Transformed into a veritable meeting place, the place was teeming with people, joyful songs and beaming smiles. Yaoundeans of all ages and ethnicities gathered to celebrate this crucial victory.
Horns blared relentlessly, chants of "Allez, allez, allez les Lions... Bravo, soyez toujours champions!" filled the air, and faces were painted in the national colors. Young people, families and friends embraced in a communion of joy and emotion. Marilyne, an exuberant young supporter, couldn't believe Vincent Aboubakar's performance: "Oh my God, I can't believe it! The Lions (of Cameroon) killed it. I admit I was a bit scared of this Burundi team, but our players did the job. See you at our Ivorian brothers-in-law's in January 2024".
Cameroon on their way to a 6th star?
The cafés and bars were packed to the rafters, despite the late hour (22:00 GMT), the screens showing live broadcasts of the match were still on, and the fans kept toasting their team's victory. Antoine, an emotional father, already sees Cameroon winning the AFCON next year. We won," he exclaims, "and in such a way!Qualifying by such a high score can only bide well for the future. We'll be going to Côte d'Ivoire to get our sixth star. And with the boys I've seen on the pitch, it'll be possible.
Deserved" comeback for Onana
In doubt before the match, the players of the Cameroon team became, for one evening, the heroes of the nation, acclaimed by all.And if there's one player who has earned the greatest respect from his compatriots, it's André Onana. The Cameroon keeper was phenomenal, making six decisive saves."I'm so grateful to André Onana. He never gave up. His return to the national team is richly deserved," says Jacques. He and his friends continued the party late into the night. A night they won't soon forget.
