Lions roar thanks to Hugo the boss

Cameroon coach Hugo Broos did not just have to deal with eight players, including Liverpool’s Joel matip and allan nyom of West Bromwich albion, who refused to go to the africa Cup of nations. He also left out captain Stephane m’bia and 72-cap goalkeeper Carlos Kameni when he named his squad last month. others, like alex Song, are long gone.

Cameroon’s triumph on Sunday night, beating egypt 2-1 in the final with a late goal from Vincent aboubakar, is a reminder of the strength of team unity. mocked as the poorest Cameroon team of recent years, the current batch have no equivalents of players such as Samuel eto’o, at the pinnacle of the club game in europe when he helped win back-to-back african titles in 2000 and 2002.

Instead, Broos put his faith in the likes of Christian Bassogog of aalborg in Denmark. Just 18 months ago, Bassogog was playing semi-professional for Wilmington Hammerheads in the third tier of United States soccer. now he is dreaming of a move into one of europe’s big leagues, after his speed, athleticism and finishing helped place him among the stars of the tournament.

around Bassogog and others such as Benjamin moukandjo, Broos built a well-drilled, well-organised team, even a little cautious compared to the freewheeling Lions of past years. Yet by delivering a first trophy since the golden age, Cameroon showed the merits of loyalty, self- discipline and ambition. It was far from a classic tournament, but the achievement of Broos and his unlikely winners has to be admired.