We can. Why not? This is possible, not only in football, but also in other encounters that seem insurmountable, but with determination, and collective efforts the storms are weathered. The Indomitable Lions are today in South Africa to the joy of many Cameroonians and well-wishers abroad who earlier feared that one of Africa’s best football teams could be absent at the first FIFA festival to hold on African soil. The fear was triggered by some defeats during the qualification phase. But the impossible is not Cameroonian, (imposible n’est pas camerounais.) At last they did it, can still please us, today in their match against Japan, and continue bringing smiles to their fans in Cameroon and elsewhere. They did it in 1990 when in Italy during the opening match with Maradonas’ Argentina, they defeated the then cup holders, 1-0.

François Omam Biyick will be remembered for the header that helped beard a lion in its den and Emmanuel Kunde for effecting the timely pass that made it possible. But the Lions will hardly, if not never be forgotten for contributing to the new image that is today Africa’s as far as football is concerned. This can be continued. Why not?

The book making event of 1990 when Cameroon defeated Argentina, and drew with Brazil in 2002 could be repeated in South Africa today as the team faces Japan. The pleasant surprises could continue and cause the apparently impossible to be possible. But as a team from a country where football is considered a mark of identity and almost a religion, there is no doubt in their craving for victories the players would be constantly reminded of the policy of fair play. A sign of soccer maturity it is indeed and source of pride for teams which are eager to make a name for themselves and their countries. We cannot afford to be indifferent.

As far as today’s encounter of Cameroon’s national team and that of Japan is concerned, we look forward to the best that can be done by a team that received deserved well-wishing not only from the Cameroon government, and fans, but also prayers from churches across the country. Cameroon launched its 50th anniversary celebrations with an ecumenical service and the Almighty God heard the people’s prayers as could be seen from all that happened. There is no doubt that the Almighty Creator listens to sincere prayers and acts. But such prayers must be accompanied by action. We believe the rekindled fighting spirit of the Lions will yield the expected results. But should the contrary come our way as far as today’s game is concerned, the spirit of victory should not be lost, for no ingredient is as indispensable to victory as confidence, collective efforts, spirit of sportsmanship and determination to do what is apparently impossible.