Jorge: 'They fear Lions'

"Maybe they are the favourites just slightly, because they're playing at home. But I think they are a little bit scared of us and anything can happen," the former Benfica coach told Eurosport.

"We're going to play with a very offensive team. That means that a lot of things can happen in this game."

The Indomitable Lions have the psychological edge after a 2-0 win over their rivals in July last year, but it is Henri Michel's team who are in pole position to seal the one qualifying spot from a perilous Group Three, which also includes 2006 African Nations Cup hosts Egypt.

And with games running out, Jorge admits the time is nigh for Cameroon to impose themselves.

"A draw is not enough for us," admitted Jorge, whose side lie two points back in second. "We have two games to play, just like them, and we must win this match. And if we win, we will be ahead of them and that will be very important."

Ivory Coast are not traditional African powerhouses, but the emergence of a potent attacking trio comprising Lens' Aruna Dindane, Paris St.-Germain's Bonaventure Kalou and Chelsea's Didier Drogba - with Arsenal's Kolo Touré helping to stiffen the defence - has seen them put their more illustrious opponents in the shade.

But Cameroon midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba believes all the pressure is on the Ivorians as they bid to live up to the expectation of a fervently partisan crowd in Abidjan.

"It won't be easy, because they'll be ready for us, but we're not under any pressure. There pressure is on them because they are playing at home," said the Aston Villa midfielder.

"This match is not our last chance, because you never know what can happen in the final game. But it's a very tough game, and we want to win it."