Page 26 - LionKing

FEATURE
EYONG ENOH
Eyong Enoh is a Cameroonian international. He has played professional football in Cyprus, Holland, Belgium, England and South Africa. He was very active with the Indomitable Lions between 2009 and 2016, playing the AFCON 2010 and World Cup 2014 with over 50 caps and serving as vice captain.
What should fans expect from the Nations Cup?
The fans should expect a tough competition. Cameroon is the defending Champion, having won the 2017 Nations Cup, so everyone will come at them very strongly and well prepared.
DIOMANSY KAMARA
Diomansy Kamara is a former Senegalese international that played as a striker
in different European clubs including Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Leicester City. He represented Senegal at several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
What has been your experience playing for your country?
It has been amazing. I think it’s the best thing a footballer can have. You have only one shot when you play with the National team. You can play with so many clubs but the National team is the one thing that will always make you proud, you and your family. I’ve
PAUL KESSANY
The Gabonese international footballer, Paul Ulrich Kessany, began his football career in 1999, with the club USM Libreville where he spent 8 years. He also played for FC Zestafoni in Georgia; French club, FC Istres and Israeli club, Hapoel Ramat Gan. He has been a national team player since 2003 and captain from 2006 to 2010.
What should fans expect from the Nations Cup?
This year’s tournament is different because, for the first time in the history of AFCON, it
will take place during the summer, whereas previously it was usually at the beginning of the year. The competition has been extended to 24 teams instead of 16 in previous
editions. There are first-timers: Mauritania, Madagascar and Burundi; and the big teams
To the Indomitable Lions, I’d say: enjoy the moment and opportunity you have. Play as a team and give your best with the aim of retaining the title as Champions of Africa.
How did it feel, playing for your nation for the very first time?
It was a special feeling; a mixture of tension, pressure, and yet excitement, a long childhood dream finally happening.
And your personal greatest football career moment?
Winning my first League Title during the 2010/2011 Season with Ajax, after 7 trophyless years for the club.
had 16 caps with Senegal. I played in 4 Africa Cup of Nations. It was a great honour.
What should we expect from the AFCON?
AFCON will be an amazing Tournament. This is the first time they will have 24 teams and all the big teams are out there: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana... So, we hope it will be a great tournament. We see also
in the Premiere League that the best goal scorers are all from Africa: Salah, Sadio Mane and Aubameyang (who couldn’t make it with Gabon) but I think it will be an amazing tournament this time.
absent during the previous edition such as Cameroon and Senegal are back!
Unfortunately, Gabon could not qualify for this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations but we will use this time to better prepare for the next edition and to fix our administrative challenges in order to realise the dream of the Gabonese people - winning a Nations Cup.
How does it feel to have thousands of fans chanting your name in the stands?
It’s heart-warming to see thousands of
your fans shouting your name and waving banners. These expressions of affection stimulate us, boost us, give us even more strength and bring the best out of us during different competitions.
26 | The Lion King | April - June 2019