Lions look to add bite
by So Sefeu Chiemba 26 November 2012, 07:29
In a bid to strengthen his team so as to qualify Cameroon for the 2014 World Cup - Brazil 2014 - Indomitable Lions head coach Jean Paul Akono has been making desperate moves to bring two vital players to the national team.
Cameroon lost a second consecutive opportunity to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and are in not too comfortable position to qualify for the World Cup. While Akono's days might be numbered, he has not given up hopes of bringing David Ngog, the Franco-Cameroon Bolton Wonderers striker, and Benoit Assou Ekotto of Tottenham Hotspur.
After the Lions virgin draw game against Albania in Switzerland, Akono spent some time in France trying to get the accord of Ngog, the former Liverpool striker. However, the decision to play for Cameroon does not entirely depend on Ngog who had his debut with France in the junior category. World governing body has to rule on the issue and grant Ngog permission to switch his professional nationality.
Meanwhile, Akono's bid to travel to England to meet Assou Ekotto is facing challenges as the coach recently failed to secure a visa. Ekotto has severally snubbed previous call ups to join the national team after a row with the FA officials over indiscipline. The Spurs player who just recovered from injury is vital for the squad that has been drifting further from victories for years.
The Lions, after Akono took over from Frenchman Denis Lavagne, has witnessed many changes with the local coach bringing in many new players to blend with a few old names.
In spite of his efforts to revive the team, the 2000 Olympic Gold medal winner is unlikely to lead Cameroon through for 2014 as the Cameroon Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Adoum Garoua has requested that the FA goes shopping for a new coach.
