Cameroon must address internal conflict or risk becoming World Cup history

Date: 23rd June 2014 at 10:33am
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Cameroon burst onto the World Cup scene at Italia’90 when the Indomitable Lions shocked the world by first beating defending champions Argentina and then riding a wave of extra-time goals from the ageless Roger Milla guiding the squad to an improbable quarter-final finish.

The side has made more World Cup appearances than any other African nation with seven, but since their astonishing run 24 years ago ended with a controversial spot kick awarded to England’s Gary Lineker at the San Paolo, they have provided the tamest of competition and failed to advance out of the group stage since, more likely to self-implode than provide any fireworks on the pitch.

In fact, since that fateful night in Naples, Cameroon’s World Cup record is abysmal. A single victory in 14 World Cup matches, a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, an horrific -20 goal differential and a whopping 26 yellow cards and six red accumulated, often playing a defensive and cringe-worth brand of undisciplined football.

Reflection is now in order for the proud footballing nation after their chances to advance in Brazil ended ignominiously after only two matches as Cameroon surrendered in spectacular fashion on the world’s biggest stage.

An uninspiring 1-0 loss to Mexico in the first match was followed by captain Samuel Eto’o withdrawal from their next match through injury, a match where the Indomitable Lions were crushed 4-0 by Croatia after Alex Song inexplicably karate chopped Mario Mandzukic leaving the side a man down, before Benoit Assou-Ekotto head-butted team mate Benjamin Moukandjo for the crime of not passing the ball to the Tottenham Hotspur full-back.

Aurelien Chedjou (Cameroon):However, the warning signs have been visible for years with turmoil, corruption and a carousel of coaching changes (22 different coaches in 24 years) the norm for the Cameroon FA, and while these issues are not uncommon across African football the Lions have endured more than their fair share.

The issues are far reaching and extend well beyond the pitch. Cameroon fail to attract and retain top coaches due in part to interferences in team selection from the government and the FA, or tardy even undelivered wages which also impact the players. Unkept wage promises, the backdrop to the squad’s 1994 and 2002 World Cup preparations, hit again this year in a dramatic airport stand-off prior to departure for Brazil.

The Indomitable Lions must find the courage to put its country ahead of self-serving interests as a complete shakeup is required for the four-time African champions who have failed to qualify for the last two African Cup of Nations and only just qualified for these finals, taking advantage of administrative errors which saw them replace Togo in a play-off qualifier to advance against Tunisia.

Talent has never been the question as Cameroonians dot the landscape of top European clubs, particularly Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, and have had breakout performers such as Eto’o and Song serving as the focal point.

Confidence of the players in their administration to keep its promises and the autonomy of a strong tactician and staff are a necessity else the West African nation will continue losing its foothold and tales of Milla dancing with the corner flag will provide nothing more than faded World Cup folklore to a generation.

 

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