Heartbreak does not begin to describe the feeling in Cameroon tonight. The night is filled with an air of shock and utter disbelief. Allow me to set the stage:
Cameroon versus Egypt. Cameroon wins and they qualify for the World Cup. Simple as that. To use the old sports phrase, "Win and you're in." Luckily, I was able to come to Yaounde for a meeting of the SED Committee taking place on Monday and Tuesday. Equally fortunate, other volunteers and I scored tickets to see this historic game. The scene was absolutely electrifying. When the game began it was obvious that Egypt was outmatched. Cameroon completely dominated and went up 1-0 early. But (Isn't there always one?) they sat back and held tightly to a one goal lead. This is the single worst mistake in sports. When you smell blood, you go for the kill. So after 50 minutes of sitting back Egypt, who fought hard all game, was able to score the equalizer. 1-1, and the crowd was shocked. The silence stood in stark opposition to the earlier zeal we'd all displayed. Then, Cameroon turned it on. Once again they dominated. They threw everything, but the kitchen sink at them (Due to the fact that throwing kitchen sinks was barred by FIFA Ruling 28-65B after the horrendous injury suffered by Guy LePariage in 1923). The Cameroon footballers created numerous opportunities, and, with a couple minutes left, received the grandest of chances. After Egypt committed a penalty in the box, Cameroon was awarded a penalty kick. Life was flushed back into the crowd, and we erupted. This was it! The golden opportunity. Score and Cameroon goes to the World Cup. Anticipation built, the kick was taken, and a metal goal post was struck.
The highs and lows of this game tormented all the observers. You see, a draw was not sufficient because Ivory Coast won their game making this one a must win for Cameroon. My heart goes out to the country tonight. Football is the unifying factor in a country with over 100 tribal factions. I am hopeful that the Cameroonian people will find light in this darkness, and I am grateful that I was able to see a match of such magnitude.
Cameroon versus Egypt. Cameroon wins and they qualify for the World Cup. Simple as that. To use the old sports phrase, "Win and you're in." Luckily, I was able to come to Yaounde for a meeting of the SED Committee taking place on Monday and Tuesday. Equally fortunate, other volunteers and I scored tickets to see this historic game. The scene was absolutely electrifying. When the game began it was obvious that Egypt was outmatched. Cameroon completely dominated and went up 1-0 early. But (Isn't there always one?) they sat back and held tightly to a one goal lead. This is the single worst mistake in sports. When you smell blood, you go for the kill. So after 50 minutes of sitting back Egypt, who fought hard all game, was able to score the equalizer. 1-1, and the crowd was shocked. The silence stood in stark opposition to the earlier zeal we'd all displayed. Then, Cameroon turned it on. Once again they dominated. They threw everything, but the kitchen sink at them (Due to the fact that throwing kitchen sinks was barred by FIFA Ruling 28-65B after the horrendous injury suffered by Guy LePariage in 1923). The Cameroon footballers created numerous opportunities, and, with a couple minutes left, received the grandest of chances. After Egypt committed a penalty in the box, Cameroon was awarded a penalty kick. Life was flushed back into the crowd, and we erupted. This was it! The golden opportunity. Score and Cameroon goes to the World Cup. Anticipation built, the kick was taken, and a metal goal post was struck.
The highs and lows of this game tormented all the observers. You see, a draw was not sufficient because Ivory Coast won their game making this one a must win for Cameroon. My heart goes out to the country tonight. Football is the unifying factor in a country with over 100 tribal factions. I am hopeful that the Cameroonian people will find light in this darkness, and I am grateful that I was able to see a match of such magnitude.
posted by Eric Jones at 2:31 PM
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