Though their light may have faded somewhat since they brightened up the world stage at Italia 1990, Cameroon are not to be underestimated.
The top African nation in Fifa rankings, they also bring Africa’s richest pedigree to the finals. They have appeared a continental-best five times in the World Cup, and no other African side has yet eclipsed their historic run to the Italy 1990 quarter-finals — though Senegal equalled the achievement in 2002.
The road to South Africa
Though the 2-0 victory in Morocco that clinched their qualification was straightforward enough, Cameroon had in fact completed an impressive turnaround in a campaign that started with just a draw from their first two matches. Two victories over Gabon were followed by a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Togo, and Cameroon’s four consecutive wins were more than enough to reach South Africa.
Star players
Samuel Eto’o scored nine goals in the qualifiers, while the promising Pierre Webó is the other main threat up front. Jean Makoun, Stephane Mbia and Alexandre Song give the midfield a classy but rugged edge.
The coach
The reversal of fortune for Cameroon coincided with the arrival of Frenchman Paul Le Guen, who took over from Otto Pfister. He brought a sea change in attitude and professionalism to the side. His controversial decision to hand the captaincy to Eto’o in place of long-time captain Rigobert Song turned out to be just what the two players and the team needed.
Facts
- Cameroon were eliminated at the group stage of Spain 1982 despite not suffering a defeat. They lost out to Italy and came second in the table on the goals scored tie-breaker after three draws.
- Cameroon have played in 17 World Cup matches, the most of any national team from Africa. Their 1-0 defeat of holders Argentina to kick off the 1990 FIFA World Cup is one of the great upsets in the history of the event.
- Roger Milla was a record 42 years and 39 days old when he scored for the Lions against Russia in the 1994 World Cup. He was also the first African to play in three World Cup finals. — Fifa