Eto'o wanted back
by So Sefeu Chiemba 22 June 2012, 17:26
The Cameroonian public have openly called for the suspended striker Samuel eto’o fils to come back in the squad as they feature in the run-ups to the 2013 Afcon and 2014 world Cup. This Saturday when the Indomitable Lions took on Guinea Bissau in Yaounde, there were many fans carrying placards calling for the come back of their captain.
In addition, when the team had difficulties in scoring, the crowd started singing songs infavour of Eto’o.
The Lions then struggled to score towards the end of the game through Benjamin Moukandjo Bile, but still the public was not happy. They booed the players as they left the stadium, and were only stopped from throwing stones by the numerous police officers stationed all along the road.
To note that even the players have been reacting positively to a posible Eto’o return. Stephan Mbia told SuperSports.com ‘We need everybody in the squad to meet with our objectives and having a player like Samuel Eto’o is a plus. He is a real leader and its difficult to play everyday without him.’ He then added ‘but we’re trying since it was a decision from the country’s football managers and as players we can’t say much on it.’
On his part, Eric-Maxime Choupo Moting said ‘I spent so many good times with Eto’o on the field and I also scored goals while he was there.’ He was refering to critics who say he should be the happiest player for Eto’o’s absence because it gave him the opportunity to play freely and score at will. The Mayence striker has scored 5 goals in six games since Eto’o was suspended. But he played down on it, adding ‘Eto’o is an asset that is highly needed in any squad in the world.’
Eto’o’s sanction will finish in August this year but it is already rumoured around that he is already considering putting an end to his international carreer with the Lions.
He was given a 15-match ban from the team for his role played in the failed friendly against Algeria in October 2011, but this was later reduced to 8 months after protests from the public and some state officials.
