Afcon 2021: Coach Conceicao feels weight of Cameroon expectation
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Toni Conceicao was appointed Cameroon coach in September 2019
Cameroon coach Toni Conceicao admits the weight of public pressure is on him as his side hosts the Africa Cup of Nations, adding that the local fans "don't forgive failure".
The Portuguese is looking to lead the Indomitable Lions, who last lifted the trophy in 2017, to their sixth continental crown when the tournament begins on Sunday.
"We know that Cameroonians have high hopes because the competition is taking place here," he told BBC Sport Africa.
"Since the moment it was decided that Afcon would be hosted in Cameroon, every Cameroonian has felt that this will give them the advantage to win the trophy. But for us football professionals we know it doesn't work that way.
"We feel that people are more demanding of the Indomitable Lions because of their history and what they've accomplished in the past: five African titles and the seven times they've been present in the World Cup.
"I hope to win because if we don't reach the objective of at least reaching the final, it's going to be a difficult journey. We have to be mentally strong so we can at least reach the final.
"If we don't, it will be difficult for us, the technical staff, to deal with the criticism, because people here don't forgive failure."
'On alert'
Vincent Aboubakar scored the winner against Egypt when Cameroon last won the Nations Cup, in 2017
Conceicao feels weight of expectation
Cameroon face Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Cape Verde in Group A and take on the Burkinabe in the tournament's opening game in Yaounde on Sunday (16:00 GMT).
Conceicao describes the group as "well-balanced", but is undertandably wary of the challenges his side will face as they look to reach the knock-out stage.
"We've been watching a few of Burkina Faso's games and they have a good team," the 60-year-old added.
"Cape Verde have improved greatly and are ever-growing in experience and maturity.
"The opening game, whether it be at the World Cup, a championship in Cameroon or a European Championship, is always difficult.
"From a historic point of view, people think Burkina Faso and Cameroon will get through, but I don't think like that. I will put my players on alert."
The 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is set to end on Sunday 6 February, when Yaounde hosts a final which many Cameroonians are hoping their team will be part of.