Ivory Coast coach Ibrahim Kamara says Cameroon are familiar foes and will be entertained when the 2022 World Cup qualification gets underway in October.
The draw for the second round qualifiers of Qatar 2022 was held on Tuesday in Egypt, with the Elephants falling in Group D alongside the Indomitable Lions, Mozambique and Malawi.
Ivory Coast and Cameroon appear to be the top favourites of the group, and their upcoming clash brings to mind the 2006 World Cup qualifier in which the Ivorians fortuitously snatched the group’s spot on the final matchday.
“I am not expecting the 2006 scenario this time. However, it is going to be tough because both teams want to be in Qatar having missed the 2018 edition. Secondly, we are regional rivals so expect a stronger motivation,” Kamara told ACLsports.
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“I have been hearing and reading talks from local journalists highlighting the fear of meeting Cameroon once again. Well, it’s a draw and there is nothing you can do. You have to stand and fight.
“Don’t be surprised that teams like Mozambique and Malawi could pull off a shock. It’s football. We must not focus only on Cameroon but the entire group,” he said.
The Elephants are currently undergoing a basic reconstruction and might not be as dreadful as in previous qualifiers.
Cameroon, after their 2017 AFCON success, have also suffered a dip in form.
