Lions' roar inspires Douala

By Diogo Teixeira in Lisbon

With the end of the season fast approaching, some players are starting to show signs of tiredness, but that does not seem to be the case for Roudolphe Douala. Indeed, the Sporting Clube de Portugal striker is hitting his peak in fitness and form just in time for the UEFA Cup final.

Vital player
The Cameroonian, who joined José Peseiro's side from UD Leiria at the beginning of the season, has come through a teething period at the Estádio José Alvalade to cement a place in the starting lineup, and with five SuperLiga goals to his name, could yet prove a vital weapon against PFC CSKA Moskva.

Striking foil
With his game improving day by day, some have suggested that Douala would be an ideal foil for Brazilian striker Liedson in tonight's final, but the player himself is counting on nothing. "Every player wants to be involved in a match like this, but that's the coach's decision," he told uefa.com.

No matter where
With Liedson playing as an out-and-out striker, Douala is most likely to be used as a right-sided forward, although he is not too concerned where Peseiro chooses to deploy him. "I like to play - for me it is not important where," he said. "Up front or on the wings, the most important thing is helping the team."

Miserly defence
Considering that CSKA have conceded just four goals in eight UEFA Cup games since dropping out of the UEFA Champions League after the group stage, Sporting could doubtless use Douala's threat up front. "CSKA defend very well and move the ball very quickly from defence," he said. "Countering that will demand a lot of effort."

Russian travellers
With Sporting hoping to win the UEFA Cup in their own stadium, CSKA will start the game with a significant disadvantage. However, having already played against Portuguese sides FC Porto and SL Benfica in the course of their European campaign this season, Valeriy Gazzaev's team will know what to expect.

Fellow Africans
The 26-year-old Douala, meanwhile, knows just what to expect from CSKA's right-sided defender Chidi Odiah. The two African players have become acquainted although the Cameroonian will not be wishing his Nigerian opponent luck on Wednesday. "He is a very gifted player but I hope to win this time," said Douala.

Vocal support
Home advantage may be the important factor in separating the two sides in Lisbon, with Sporting guaranteed the vocal backing of the overwhelming majority of the supporters in the stadium, and Douala hopes that green-and-white army will roar his side to victory.

Lisbon roar
"Getting to this final has been our goal since the beginning of the season, and the fact that we are playing at home has given us an extra motivation," he said. "Sporting fans are the best and I think they will help us to win this match."