Gabon worries Eto'o in Cameroon's Cup opener

Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o looks forward to his team's 2010 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Gabon in Lubango on Jan. 13 with trepidation because his opponents "know Cameroon very well."

"Gabon have always been a tough team to beat and the fact we are meeting them in our first match in Angola makes it very tricky," Eto'o told The Standard. "We beat them twice last year, in Libreville and Yaounde, but it was not a walk in the park. They certainly know our style of play and I'm sure they are really going to give us a run."

Asked what he thought of the other Group D teams, Tunisia and Zambia, Eto'o said, "Certainly they will be competitive, but I think Gabon will be coming for revenge and they are a good team."

Eto'o, who is the all-time top scorer in the Cup of Nations with 16 goals, said he was disappointed with Kenya's failure to qualify for Angola.

"Kenya is a great nation and it is a shame they will not be with us in Angola," he said. "I hope when I return for the Laikipia Unity Cup [in August], we shall be the champions of the world and that way Kenyans, too, will feel part of Cameroon."

Asked who is likely to pip the 2010 title, Eto'o was mentioned.

"All the teams at the Cups of Nations are strong because many teams have matured, but Cameroon also has a strong team and I believe we can go all the way and win [our] fifth title."

Does he feel any pressure when playing for the continent's coveted title?

"No, because it is easy playing in front of Africans, unlike in Europe where being an African means you have to prove yourself. There is nothing to prove in Angola."