Samuel Eto'o has warned Cameroon to be ready for a "tricky" encounter when they take on Gabon.
Cameroon striker feels opener is the key encounter
Samuel Eto'o has warned Cameroon to be ready for a "tricky" encounter when they take on Gabon in their African Nations Cup opener.
The Indomitable Lions face Azingo Nationale on January 13 in Lubango but captain Eto'o believes the match represents more than the walkover many people expect.
Cameroon beat Gabon home and away in African qualifying leading up to the tournament, but the Inter Milan hitman believes their opponents know his team too well for them to be complacent.
Eto'o told
The Standard: "Gabon have always been a tough team to beat and the fact we are meeting them in our first match in Angola makes it very tricky.
"We beat them twice last year, in Libreville and Yaounde, but it was not a walk in the park. They certainly know our style of play and I'm sure they are really going to give us a run."
Tunisia and Zambia make up the rest of Group D, but the 16-goal all-time leading AFCON scorer believes their opening match is the most important.
"Certainly they (Tunisia and Zambia) will be competitive, but I think Gabon will be coming for revenge and they are a good team."
Regret
Eto'o, whose side are currently training in Kenya ahead of the tournament, also revealed his regret that the east African nation did not qualify.
"Kenya is a great nation and it is a shame they will not be with us in Angola," he added. "I hope when I return for the Laikipia Unity Cup (in August) we shall be the champions of the world and that way Kenyans, too, will feel part of Cameroon."
The three-time African Player of the Year was expectedly diplomatic when asked who he thought would lift the trophy, but showed confidence in his own side's ability.
"All the teams at the Cups of Nations are strong because many teams have matured, but Cameroon also have a strong team and I believe we can go all the way and win our fifth title."
