The government has told the Indomitable Lions to defend Cameroon with honour as they embark on their journey to the African Nations Cup (AFCON) 2023 in Abidjan in a few days.
The official ceremony to bid Coach Rigobert Song and his boys farewell was presided over by the Director of Civil Cabinet at the Presidency, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, this afternoon at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex.
It officially set the stage for the national football team’s quest for its sixth AFCON trophy.
Amidst an atmosphere of anticipation and national pride, the ceremony featured the symbolic handover of the Cameroonian flag to goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa.
He is among the four keepers who will be defending the nation at the AFCON, along with Andre Onana, Davis Epassy, and Simon Ngapandouetnbu.
Mr. Ayolo, addressing the team, emphasized the significance of representing Cameroon with honor and called on the players to make the nation proud.
“Dear Indomitable Lions, on behalf of the President of the Republic, I hand to you the flag of the nation, the most identifying emblem of our country, so that you should defend with honor Cameroon at the 34th edition of African Cup of Nations, Total Energies Cote D’Ivoire 2023,” said Mr. Ayolo before entrusting the flag to Ondoa.
Dressed in a striking white ensemble, Ondoa received the flag and subsequently passed it on to Coach Rigobert Song, who stood alongside FECAFOOT president, Samuel Eto’o.
The symbolic exchange of the national flag marked a poignant moment, signifying the collective responsibility of the Indomitable Lions to carry the hopes and aspirations of the nation onto the continental football stage.
They last lifted the trophy in 2017, with goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa playing a key role and winning the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
This time around, they will be competing with other football giants in Africa, including Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana, and the current champions, Senegal.
Coach Rigobert Song, who recently unveiled the final list of 27 players selected to represent Cameroon at AFCON, expressed confidence in the team’s abilities and readiness for the upcoming tournament.
The AFCON 2023, commencing on January 13, will see Cameroon play its first match against Guinea on January 15, as the team aims to navigate the challenges and triumph on the continental football stage.
