Infos Sports of Friday, 15 November 2013

Source: This Day

Cameroun, Tunisia Aim for World Cup Berth

Cameroon and Tunisia will be hoping to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup when they clash at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Sunday, kick-off 16h00 CAT.

The Indomitable Lions will head into the encounter as favourites, having held the Eagles of Carthage to a goalless draw in the first leg in Rades last month.

On that day Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje emerged the hero, as he made several stunning saves to help his side force a 0-0 draw.

Cameroon coach Volker Finke will have a full strength squad to choose from as the Lions aim to qualify for their second successive World Cup.

Samuel Eto'o will lead the line for Cameroon. The Chelsea striker, who briefly retired from national duty, has found his feet in England at last, scoring three goals in two games for the Blues, and will play a vital role in ensuring the Lions book their place in Brazil.

On loan Queens Park Rangers fullback Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Lyon fullback Henri Bedimo and Sevilla midfielder Stephane Mbia have notably returned to the Cameroon setup.

Mbia missed the first leg in Rades after injuring his toe while playing for club side Sevilla. Cedric Raoul, Landry Nguemo and striker Vincent Aboubakar have also returned to face the North African side.

Tunisia coach Ruud Krol has named Esperance striker Ahmed Akaichi in place of veteran forward Issam Jemaa, while former captain Karim Haggui, who was not in the initial squad has replaced the injured Alaeddine Yahia.

Meanwhile, Krol is still waiting on whether called-up midfielders Houcine Nater and Fabien Camus will be able to feature.

The duo have seen their application for Tunisian citizenship rejected by the Ministry of Justice as they do not reside in Tunisia and it is still unsure if they will be able to play for the Eagles come Sunday.

The former Orlando Pirates coach will have to do with Toulouse defender Aymen Abdennour, who picked up an injury while star midfielders Youssef Msakni and Oussama Darragi still don't fit into his plans.

A score draw will be enough for Tunisia to book their ticket to Brazil, which would be their first World Cup since 2006.