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African Cup of Nations

One-man-team Cameroon will need Eto'o to come good

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Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch tells us why Cameroon's reputation alone has them far too short in the betting for today's game against Tunisia

In sport, it's always dangerous when you're over reliant on one weapon within your arsenal. Greg Rusedski may have had a mammoth serve, but he didn't have the other qualities required to be a great player. Frank Bruno had a very good jab, but this wasn't much use, given that any decent punch to Frank's chin would see him suddenly start transform into the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz.

This rule of thumb is equally applicable to team sports. Cameroon seem to be the very definition of a one man team. Their only tactic is to get the ball to Samuel Eto'o as quickly as possibly and hope that he does his brilliant best. As you can imagine, it doesn't look that pretty. Until the ball gets to Eto'o that is.

Tonight sees Cameroon take on Tunisia, with a semi final spot against Ghana at stake. As ever, much will be expected of Eto'o. He is the tournament's top scorer with five goals, which has seen the Barcelona forward become the all-time leading scorer in African Nations Cup history, with sixteen goals. Little wonder then that Eto'o is just [1.5] to finish as top scorer this year .

This price may be a little short for those who believe Tunisia are capable of defeating Cameroon. Eto'o is only two goals ahead of a host of rivals on three goals. You'd have to fancy one of them to at least match Eto's efforts, should tonight be Cameroon's last match in the tournament.

Neither side have yet produced a performance that would indicate they will come through this match. Tunisia qualified from a weak group, whereas Cameroon lost their opening game against Egypt, who are the only decent side they've faced so far. I think this will be tight and it's only Cameroon's reputation, that makes them favourites.

Cameroon are [2.12], with Tunisia [4.2] and the draw [3.3]. Cameroon are a definite lay for me at that price, in a game which could provide trading opportunities. Both sides have looked vulnerable in defence at times and the [2.34] available for over 2.5 goals is tempting.

Cameroon are [9.2] to win the tournament with Tunisia [28]. Ultimately I can't see either team beating Ghana, who are the photographic negative of Cameroon - a very good team that lacks the top class striker which would make them unbeatable.