2014 World Cup Qualifiers - Cameroon to Monitor Opponents at AFCON

The information was made public by the coach of the Lions in a press conference on January 9 in Yaounde.

In order to increase the chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the head coach of the Indomitable Lions, Jean Paul Akono has proposed a plan of action comprising the monitoring of Cameroon's opponents at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa as well as play a friendly match during the next Fifa period in January. If approved by hierarchy, a college of four Cameroonian coaches will be attending the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa to monitor not only Cameroon's direct opponents in the second round qualifiers like the Democratic Republic of Congo but also the performance of the other teams present at the nation's cup as they might likely be Cameroon's opponents in the last round qualifiers.

Speaking in a press conference yesterday January 9 at the Mont Febe in Yaounde, Jean Paul Akono said the mission to South Africa will have to be cut short so as to come back home and prepare for the friendly on February against a yet to be determined opponent. Akono also gave a balance sheet of his activities ever since the match against Cape Verde in Yaounde, notably his mission to Europe to meet with some runaway players of the national team and the detection training camp for home-based players recently organized at the CAF Excellence Centre in Mbankomo. On his mission to Europe, Akono admitted having held talks with David Ngog and Assou Ekotto but was not categorical about their return to the Lions' den though he said he was optimistic. As for the home-based players, he disclosed having discovered some talents who have nothing to envy from professionals who he intends to inject into the squad.

He refuted allegations that a tender offer has been launched to seek for a new coach to replace him saying the bid was for lower categories of the Lions and not the senior national team. On the delay in officially signing of his contract, Akono said this will be done in the days ahead but failed to say when. He said he was working with serenity following the road map agreed on, with his employers, without interference or pressure.