It's good to be underestimated

It's good to be underestimated. For then you can play your game and prove the naysayers wrong. That's what Cameroon did throughout the recent African Cup of Nations in Gabon. They were written off before the tournament kicked off after seven key players who play in Europe spurned call-ups to represent their country. This was followed by a dispute over money, yet when the Indomitable Lions got on the pitch they played their hearts out; upsetting the odds against them first by eliminating the hosts at the group stage, then going on to beat favourites Senegal and Ghana in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively.

Cameroon was underestimated but it won Afcon 2017

In the final against the much-fancied Egypt with its clout as seven-time continental champions, Cameroon stood 'no chance'. Arsenal's star midfielder Mohamed Elneny made that point sink in when he scored after 22 minutes.  But as baseball superstar Yogi Bera famously put it, "It ain't over till it's over." Thanks to two dangerous substitutes, the underdogs came from that goal down to stun the Pharaohs with two scintillating goals. I'll never forget the winning one by Vincent Aboubakar; how he chested the ball, deftly lifted it over Ali Gabr's head before smashing it home. It was a killer 'punch'!

It all taught me never to let the negative labels define or deaden me. If they call you loser or a nobody, ignore them and do your thing like the Indomitable Lions did. Being called underdogs brought out the best in them; they approached every game with the zeal of the devil (the devil never gives up until it has its victim where it wants him - in the pit of hell); they didn't care whether you were Ghana with the Ayew brothers or Senegal with Sadio Mane or Egypt with the reputation of having never lost a final! They were physical, intense, disciplined, pacey, courageous, excellent and united all the way. That's why they became champions.