Zoua: We dream of winning CHAN at home

Indomitable Lions captain Jacques Zoua admitted he is taking part in the ongoing Total African Nations Championship (CHAN), Cameroon 2020 with one thing in his mind, winning the title at home.

Zoua led his side in the opening game against Zimbabwe when Cameroon had a lone goal win but missed the 1-1 draw against Mali through injury. Now he is set to feature back when the hosts face Burkina Faso in a decider this Sunday.

“I think we started the tournament in the best possible way. Four points in two games is a good start. We have developed great football, and this is only the beginning, " the Lions captain told CAFOnline.com.

Zoua returned to Cameroon and signed for 4th division side AS Futuro, which allowed him to join coach Martin Ndtoungou Mpilé's troops in the tournament designed exclusively for domestic based footballers.

“I returned to Cameroon when the pandemic began. After terminating my contract with Astra Giurgiu in Romania, I decided to sign with a local club. This is how I could help my country at Total CHAN and fulfill our people’s dream of winning the tournament."

Having won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title with the senior Indomitable Lions, it’s no doubt that Zoua is looked at the star of the tournament. “This gives me great pleasure. It gives me strength and will to give my all for my team and my country,” he added.

Zoua took his first football at Coton Sport in 2006, scoring 20 goals in 63 matches, and winning three Cameroon league titles (2006, 2007, 2008) and two Cameroon Cups (2007 and 2008). He then joined Switzerland’s FC Basel in 2009.

After winning four league titles with Basel, he moved to German side Hamburg SV in 2013.

The highlight of his career was undoubtedly the Total AFCON, Gabon 2017 when he was recalled by Hugo Bross to the team that won the Holy Grail of African football, though he could not score.

"I won the 2017 AFCON, and I want to add another trophy to my country by winning the 2020 CHAN. It's a very big motive to play at home, in front of the members of my family and especially the Cameroonian people. We are all going to fight for this dream,” noted Zoua.

Zoua, who turns 30 next September, wants to silence his critics who think that he has nothing more to contribute. With 26 caps to his name, Zoua aims at adding Cameroon’s name to the list of CHAN champions.

“We have a dream; to win Total CHAN 2020 and then Total AFCON 2021 here at home,” he concluded.