Failure to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations could spell sorry end for Eto’o’s international career (Video)

In the end, even the return of legendary striker Samuel Eto’o from international exile was not enough to take Cameroon to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. The Indomitable Lions were already staring down the barrel against the tiny Cape Verde Islands, who had taken the first leg 2-0. However, the re-emergence of Eto’o after the Anzhi Makhachkala man had been frozen out of selection for a dispute over payment, to play alongside the likes of Alex Song, Achille Emana and Pierre Webo was expected to be far too much for the Islanders, population of only 500,000 to hold out for 90 minutes.

However, after taking a shock early lead from a precise free-kick, the minnows were effectively out of sight and although Cameroon managed to score twice, the second coming from an Eto’o assist, the gap was simply too big to close. For Eto’o, it in all probability represents a sad end to his international career. For a striker used to the standards of Barcelona and Inter Milan, he has been extremely critical of the Cameroon Football Association and it’s preparation of the national side. His return to face the Cape Verde islands was surprising enough but now with no tournament to look forward to and at the age of 31, Eto’o will surely question his international future, particularly with the travelling involved to and from his club side Anzhi.

If he does call it a day, Eto’o will probably look back on his international career as one of missed opportunity. Yes, there may well have been two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations triumphs in 2000 and 2002 and yes he may be the tournament’s top scorer in its history. However, for the most decorated African footballer of all time, it is in a World Cup where Eto’o would have truly wanted to shine. Too young in 1998, possibly still too immature in 2002 (despite grabbing a goal against Saudi Arabia), 2006 was probably the tournament when Eto’o would have been at his peak. However, remarkably, Cameroon failed to make the finals. By 2010, Eto’o was past his best somewhat but still cites his country’s early exit from a World Cup hosted in Africa as one of the biggest disappointments of his career.

Adam Mazrani

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