The AFCON hosts begin the tournament this weekend hoping to win a sixth title in front of their home supporters.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana insists he and his teammates are ready to take on anyone in pursuit of glory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The five-time AFCON winners are hosting the biennial tournament for only the second time, having last done so in 1972. They hope to mark the occasion with a first title on home soil. However, with several star-studded squads gunning for glory, the competition has perhaps never been more intense.
Cameroon kick off their Group A campaign on Sunday against a Burkina Faso side that recently pushed reigning champions Algeria all the way in a 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw last November.
But Onana, recently back from a nine-month doping ban, is unfazed by what lies ahead.
“Me? I’m not afraid of anyone,” the Ajax keeper told BBC. “My goal is to win, always to win. I was born ready.
“It doesn’t matter who we are going to play against, we are ready. You know, even in qualification of the World Cup, the draw is going to be maybe in two or three weeks. It doesn’t matter who we are going to play, we have to go on.
“The most important thing is us – it’s up to us. I know if we are good, we are going to go through, so I worry about us.”
This Sunday the dream begins. I wish all the teams the best of luck and wish all the fans to enjoy this wonderful country, Cameroon.
We are ready to fight for our country. Mr. President @SamuelEtoo, we are looking forward to the first success in your new phase. #AllezLesLions! pic.twitter.com/BlCazM4gJ4
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) January 7, 2022
‘We are going to give everything to win’
While Cameroon are no strangers to AFCON success, winning the title on home soil in front of their own people is an experience that has eluded them.
“My country had so many great players in the past, and they have won a lot of titles, but not so many had the chance to play at home,” continued Onana.
“To play a Nations Cup at home is a big honor and a big responsibility. I have played in almost every big stadium, and all of the big competitions, but playing that competition at home is something special.
“We are a good team and I think we have to go for winning that competition. We are going to give everything to win.”
After facing Burkina Faso on Sunday, Cameroon will then take on Ethiopia on Thursday and Cape Verde on 17 January for their final two Group A fixtures.
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