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Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o has backed his country to make history and become the first African team to lift the FIFA World Cup.
The four-time African Player of the Year expects the Indomitable Lions to triumph over continental rivals Morocco in the Qatar 2022 final at Lusail Stadium on 18 December.
Eto’o gave his World Cup predictions to the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (see gallery below for full details). He sees all five African teams advancing from the group stage, with Cameroon, Morocco and Senegal finishing top of their respective groups.
"Africa has always had a lot of potential to succeed at the World Cup – but we did not always put our best foot forward,” said Eto’o, a Qatar Legacy Ambassador.
"As the years have gone by, African teams have been acquiring more and more experience, and I think they are ready to not only participate in a World Cup, but actually win the most beautiful football competition.”
Eto’o, who appeared in four FIFA World Cup tournaments for Cameroon, expects Morocco to earn their spot in the final after victories over Spain (round of 16), Portugal (quarter-finals) and reigning champions France (semi-finals). Cameroon’s path to the final would include wins over Belgium (quarter-finals) and reigning Africa Cup of Nations holders Senegal (semi-finals).
Cameroon’s all-time leading scorer also sees host country Qatar causing a major upset by defeating England in the round of 16."We have already seen the work done by Qatar over recent years and how the team has grown and matured,” he said. "I think they will be a surprise package, as other teams won’t be aware of Qatar’s qualities.”
Currently serving as President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, nothing would bring more happiness to Eto’o then seeing his country triumph in the final on Qatar National Day.
"It would be a dream come true. For any player, the dream is always to win titles. As president of our federation, I would be overjoyed to see Cameroon win the World Cup.”