Indomitable Lions roaring again

LIBREVILLE: Cameroon overcame the handicap of the defection of key players to advance to the African Nations Cup quarter-finals and coach Hugo Broos praised those who came to the tournament in Gabon.

“This young team has shown something really good to get to the quarter-finals; they’ve gained vital experience,” said the former Belgian international, who took over last February and has shaken-up a dormant side.

The Indomitable Lions are four-times Nations Cup champions and have been to more World Cups than any other African country, but not won a major trophy since 2002.

But Sunday’s goalless draw with Gabon in Libreville ensured second place in Group A and a first last-eight appearance since the 2010 Nations Cup.

“When I came to Cameroon it was clear the team was too old. We had 30 percent of our players 30 years and older. You can’t build for the future like that,” Broos said.

“The mentality had to change. I felt there were players coming to Cameroon who felt they had to because the coach called them up.

“They didn’t come with their hearts; not to play for their country.

“Now we have young players hungry to play, keen to win and now, again, such a tournament for them is a great experience,” he added. “Now that we have got through, everything is open to us; we must show ambition.”

Besides freshening the team, Broos was forced into changes when seven players he named in a preliminary squad turned down his call-up, including Joel Matip of Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion full back Allan Nyom.

On the eve of the start of their training camp, Schalke 04 striker Eric Maxime Choupo Moting also pulled out, but Broos says he is moving forward.

“We still need someone who scores and this is maybe what we have to work on for the future,” Broos said.

“In the past Cameroon always had good strikers, like Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o.”

Meanwhile, Gabon were undone by poor preparation, leading forward PierreEmerick Aubameyang said as the hosts went out.

“We had chances. Unfortunately, there are days where it does not work out, like my opportunity two metres from goal,” Aubameyang said in their game against Cameroon which ended goalless to add to two other draw.

Gabon were the first home side eliminated in the first round for 23 years.

Gabon fired Jorge Costa, former Portuguese international, 70 days before the tournament started and appointed Jose-Antonio Camacho to replace him with only one month to go.