Cameroon-Spain : A Final Unlike Any Other

Many Cameroonians of the younger generation can still remember vividly September 30, 2000. The date marked the final match between the Olympic Lions of Cameroon and Spain at 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. The encounter took place on September 30, 2000 at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney at 3:00 a.m. Majority of Cameroons did not have a full night’s sleep as they waited impatiently for the final. Who could have imagined at that time that Cameroon will enter the book of fame? The team led by Jean Paul Akono was no doubt a strong team but many did not see the young team surpassing top football nations and beating Spain in the final with top players like Puyol and Xavi to lift the trophy. The match was officiated by Mexico’s Ramos Rizo. 
The final attracted the Olympic Games Football attendance record of 104,098 which broke the previous record of 101,799 in 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The U23 Lions of Cameroon beat Spain 5-3 through penalty kicks after the match ended 2-2. After being led 2-0 Cameroon made a great recovery in the second half and scored two goals in five minutes before reaching the penalty phase. Cameroon’s goals were scored by goals were scored by Patrick Mboma (52nd minute) and Samuel Eto’o (57th minute). Xavi (2nd minute) and the substitute Gabri (45th minute) scored the goals for Spain. The decisive penalty kick was scored by Pierre Wome Nlend. That was the first gold medal for Camer...