2024 CHAN qualifiers: Intermediate Lions coach insist on merit-based team selection.

The gaffer clarified public opinion on his team selection criteria in a recent outing.

According to the astute tactician, team positions in the squad for the qualifiers shall be earned on merit and not sales. 

The approach, analysts say, shall encourage players to focus on developing their skills rather than relying on external factors like sales and personal connections.

“Do not get scammed. Places are not sold; it is on merit. Many will come to claim they know me but be wise. I do not collect money to select players,” Coach Soh is quoted as having said on Allez Les Lions.

The Intermediate Lions of Cameroon recently completed their first preparatory training camp ahead of the upcoming CHAN qualifiers.

During their stay in camp at the CAF Excellence Centre in Mbankomo on the outskirts of Yaounde, the 30 players selected by Coach Soh, played three friendly games and registered an impressive balance sheet.

The Intermediate Lions thrashed APEJES of Mfou 3-0 and drew 1-1 against Fauve Azur. 

In their last warm up game to wrap off the first preparatory gathering, the Intermediate Lions narrowly edged Yaounde II 1-0.

In three games played, the Intermediate Lions have won two games with one draw. They have also scored a combined five goals and conceded only once.

It is important to note that the Intermediate Lions shall face the Central African Republic, CAR, in the qualifiers for the 2024 CHAN.

Both nations were exempted from the first-round qualifiers which started on the weekend of October 25-27. 

Coach Soh and his team will begin their quest for a place at the continental football tournament in the second round. The first leg will take place on December 20 while the Intermediate Lions will host the reverse fixture on December 27.

The clash against the Central African Republic marks the first step for the Intermediate Lions towards finding their redemption in the CHAN tournament.

The Intermediate Lions have featured at the CHAN tournament five times. Their best performance was in 2020 when they hosted the continental soccer jamboree and finished fourth.

The 2024 CHAN will be contested by 19 African nations.  The tournament, which will be staged in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, will take place between February 1-28, 2025.

The staging of the 2024 CHAN finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda is being seen as a test event before the East African neighbours host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. The format of the tournament is yet to be announced.

CAF has announced a 60% increase in the tournament’ s prize money that sees the winner walking away with two million dollars, approximately over one billion FCFA.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3290 of Thursday November 14, 2024