Few African teams have a World Cup history like Cameroon's. In 1990 Roger Milla danced and the Indomitable Lions became the first African side to reach the quarter-finals. The current squad wants to show that Cameroon still belong among the kings of African football, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa brings Napoli class to the middle of the park.
Marc Brys is the manager. Karl Toko Ekambi and Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu are the other key players, and Cameroon sit around 50th in the FIFA ranking.
What makes Cameroon awkward to play?
Zambo Anguissa first. He is a Champions League-calibre midfielder who controls games at Napoli with power and skill. Toko Ekambi brings goals and movement from Ligue 1 that can unsettle any back line. Around them is a squad built on physical power and athleticism, which makes the Lions one of the more demanding opponents in the tournament. Brys has added European tactical discipline to the natural talent and fighting spirit.
Cameroon at a World Cup are rarely dull. They play with passion and power, and nobody, including them, knows which version will turn up. They might beat Brazil one day and lose to a minnow the next. If things fall their way, the Lions could well get out of the group.
Tomorrow: number 19.
