India, Cameroon in final dress rehearsal

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The concluding round robin stage match of the Nehru Cup before the final between India and Cameroon will be a formality as both teams have made it to the Sunday showdown but it presents an opportunity for them to gauge their opponents and strategise accordingly ahead the title clash.

India, eyeing a title hat-trick, have their task cut out against an opposition physically superior to them and who are slowly coming into their own. Cameroon did not have the best of starts when they were held by Syria in their opening game but asserted their class in the following games.
Striker Ebanga Bertin is the top scorer in the tournament with four goals and alongside Kingue Mpodno forms a potent strikeforce for the Indomitable Lions.
India’s defence needs to be wary of the duo and they will be on top priority on coach Wim Koevermans’ plans.
“It’s a challenge as the expectations are those of the Lions and I have to go back with something they all will appreciate,” said coach Emmanuel Bosso on his team’s chances of winning the trophy.
On the other hand, India had a spirited start to their campaign against higher ranked Syria but their last game in slushy conditions proved an eye opener as they were held to a goalless draw by Nepal.
Rain can again play spoilsport and coach Koevermans needs to have a better plan for such conditions as Cameroon will attempt to use their physical game to overpower India.
Koevermans will be tempted to test his bench strength and players like Alwyn George can get a look in.
India goalkeeper Subrata Paul has been solid so far conceding only one goal in three matches and will look to carry on the good work.
Syria meanwhile, finished their engagements with a 2-0 win over Nepal in the penultimate game of the round robin stage on Thursday.
Goals by Hani Altayar and Ali Ghlioum in each half gave the Syrians their first win of the tournament and they finished with four points above Nepal who managed just a single point from their four games.