Cameroon Looks to Rebuild and Redeem at AFCON 2015
Cameroon enters the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea with modest expectations — a rare situation for a nation with such a rich footballing legacy. After their humiliating World Cup campaign in Brazil, where internal conflict and lack of cohesion plagued the squad, observers are watching closely to see how this new-look Indomitable Lions team responds.
A Fresh Start After a Disastrous World Cup
With many veterans gone and new, lesser-known players taking their place, the Cameroonian team has been restructured under continued leadership from coach Volker Finke, whose retention was seen as a gamble by the Federation.
Former captain Rigobert Song summed up the state of the team:
“It was terrible to watch [the World Cup]. We had to breathe new life into this team and rebuild almost from scratch for the CAN. (…) The Cameroonian team has always been recognized for its fighting spirit and talent. Today, we find a team that embodies those values again — young players who may not be well known, but who have the hunger we’ve lacked in recent years.”
Unity and Discipline at the Core
Current captain Stéphane Mbia also emphasized the shift in team dynamics:
“The coach was able to impose his choices and his discipline, which will be our strength in the years to come. Now we’re all looking in the same direction. If you have a teammate who is able to run for the other, I think that determines the team’s state of mind.”
This is a clear reference to past dysfunction — most infamously the on-field clash between Benoît Assou-Ekotto and Benjamin Moukandjo during their World Cup loss to Croatia, a moment that symbolized Cameroon’s disintegration on the world stage.
A Test Against Mali
Cameroon’s journey in Group D begins today against Mali, a tough opponent. The match will serve as a true test of the team’s rebirth and its renewed emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and spirit.
Whether the Indomitable Lions can roar again remains to be seen — but for now, they are a dark horse with a point to prove.
