A disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign prompted Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen to ring some changes ahead of the World Cup finals as he eyes a better outcome in South Africa. The Lions were not really Indomitable during January's Nations Cup campaign in Angola. They could not go beyond the Nations Cup quarter finals after suffering a 3-1 defeat by eventual champions Egypt after extra time. Le Guen has consequently turned his attention to new blood ahead of the World Cup. "This would have been a good experience if we had won but there were a lot of players under-achieving," the French coach said following Cameroon's Nations Cup exit. "It is important for me to be sure I can rely on young players for the World Cup." Cameroon's provisional 30-man squad for the football's most prestigious tournament included nine uncapped players as Le Guen sought to introduce new faces.
Le Guen Two home-based players, John Abouna of Astres Douala and Patrick Mevoungou of Canon Yaounde), were named in the preliminary squad. Cameroon will make a record sixth appearance for an African team at the World Cup but should overcome fierce competition if they are to get beyond the first round. The four-time African champions, whose best achievement was reaching the World Cup quarter finals in 1990, were drawn to face Holland, Denmark and Japan in Group E. "The draw could have been easier for us, but it could also have been more difficult," Le Guen said. "Holland are clearly the favorites and there is a reason for that – they have the best team in the group. But although it will be difficult for us, it's not impossible. "It will be a special World Cup for us, simply because it is in Africa, and I know the players feel that. The location could well be an advantage for us." Road to World Cup
Le Guen was Cameroon's rescuer during their World Cup qualifying campaign, lifting them to the South Africa finals after they made a poor start under his predecessor Otto Pfister. Cameroon lost to Togo in the opener before drawing with Morocco in their second game to risk missing out on the World Cup for the second successive time, having failed to make it to the 2006 finals in Germany. Le Guen then arrived to steer them to four successive victories over Gabon (twice), Togo and Morocco. Cameroon eventually topped Group A with 13 points, four ahead of second-placed Gabon. "I have told him that I am so grateful to him and in our country now, Paul is a little bit like God. He is worshipped," Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o said. "He has turned us around in such a short time and that will always be recognized by the people. "Without him, I sincerely believe we would not be going to South Africa."
Did you know? In 1990, Cameroon became the first African country to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup How they play Le Guen usually prefers to play with a 4-3-3 formation that features Eto'o as the central striker with the support of two forwards on the flanks. In defense, veterans Geremi Njitap and Rigobert Song had significant roles to play during the Nations Cup but they hardly repaid Le Guen's faith as their errors proved costly in the tournament. However, Geremi and Song are expected to retain their places as right-back and central defender respectively. Tottenham Hotspur defender Sebastian Bassong was snubbed during the Nations Cup but Le Guen recalled him for the World Cup. He is expected to be a regular starter for Cameroon. Benoit Assou Ekotto, who also plays for Tottenham, is a frontrunner to occupy the left-back position. Cameroon's midfield might lack creativity but it is rich in strength and tenacity with the presence of Arsenal's Alexandre Song and Lyon's Jean Makoun. Achille Webo, Achille Emana and Mohamadou Idrissou are the supporters of prolific striker Eto'o upfront.
