The goodbye ceremony to the Under – 17 Baby Lions on their way to the 19th edition of the Under – 17 World Cup in Football, Brazil 2019 was presided over by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof Narcisse MOUELLE KOMBI on the 30th of September 2019 in the Conference hall of his Ministerial department
The Under - 17 Cameroon football Lions, on their way to the 19th edition the World Cup, Brazil 2019, an occasion for them to rewrite once again their story, this time at the World level. They did it in flying colors in 2019 during the Africa Nations Cup that was hosted by Tanzania, lifting the trophy against a no nonsense side Guinea Bissau. This second title, gave the Baby Lions a direct qualification for the Under – 17 World Cup Brazil 2019. Based on this qualification, and just like it used to be, the State through the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education organized a farewell ceremony where in State Blessings are endorsed to the Cameroon ambassadors for Brazil 2019.
The ceremony began with the team Captain, Fabrice Mezama thanking the Sports Boss, Prof Narcisse MOUELLE KOMBI and the President of the Cameroon Football Federation, Saidou MBOMBO NJOYA for the never-ending support they have often had from the State and the Federation. To this effect, he promised on behalf of his team mates that they were going to do their best during the 2019 World Cup in Brazil. The Head Coach, Libih Thomas, on his part reinforced the words of the Captain adding that all they needed was the total support of all, for them to be able to realize their exploit. The Fecafoot boss on his part also expressed satisfaction on the support of the State to the Lions and his Institution as a whole. He hailed the Africa Champions for their successful preparation towards this upcoming World Cup in Brazil. MBOMBO NJOYA continued saying that he is convinced the boys will do their best since the State has done all it takes to give them a successful preparation and participation to this prestigious world rendezvous.
Minister Narcisse MOUELLE KOMBI, speaking, did not hesitate to re-salute the young ambassadors for their memorable qualification for Brazil 2019 after winning the 2019 Under – 17 AFCON. To be part of this rendezvous that involves the best nations in world shows proof of your braveness, courage and love for country, the Minister mentioned, cautioning the players and the entire staff that the World Cup marks a prestigious moment for all of them as they will be rubbing shoulders with the best footballers in the world in their category. The Minister also lauded the efforts of the Cameroon Football Federation for ensuring a good technical preparation of the squad.
In all, the 23 man squad of the baby Lions left the country on the 30th of September 2019, all of them in good health, ready to face other world champions in their category as testified by the team doctor. The Under – 17 Indomitable Lions were drawn in group ‘E’ alongside Spain, Argentina and Tadjikistan. Scheduled to take effect from the 26 of October to the 17 of November, the Lions will have their opener for the 19th edition of the Under – 17 World Cup Brazil 2019 against Tadjikistan on the 29 of October 2019. They will later lurk horns with Argentina and Spain in their second and third outings on the 1st and 3rd of November 2019 respectively.
