[Africa Group 4]
6 Matches 4 Wins 2 Ties 0 Loss (14 Points)
| 11/10/96 | Vs. Togo | Win | 2-4 |
| 1/12/97 | Vs. Angola | Draw | 0-0 |
| 4/6/97 | Vs. Zimbabwe | Win | 1-0 |
| 4/27/97 | Vs. Togo | Win | 2-0 |
| 6/8/97 | Vs. Angola | Draw | 1-1 |
| 8/17/97 | Vs. Zimbabwe | Win | 1-2 |
| Offense |
 |
Defense |
|
| Organization |
|
Experience |
|
| Talent |
|
Capacity to surprise |
|
|
The skill of Cameroon's new coach, Le Roy, who took the helm with the most important matches imminent on March 31, ultimately determined the fate of his team. As can be seen from the fact that this contract only runs to the end of the tournament, the return of Le Roy to the coach's spot was based on his proven track record in leading Cameroon to the championship of Africa in 1989. Danger signals had been flashing for the tenure of the previous coach, Ongene. With the ascendance of Le Roi with more practical leadership experience, Cameroon is finally in shape for the real contests.
On the other hand, the team is in the midst of a generational changeover. Even compared to 1994, this is alsmost a completely different team. The most prominent player is the goalkeeper Songo'o, who contented himself with being the substitute goalkeeper in 1990 and 1994. As shown by his performance with La Golna in Spain, he is a quite competent goalkeeper. The uncertain defense comprises five players. Foe is expected to be farthest back with Kalla and Minboe as the stoppers and Song Bahanag as the sides. For all these players, there is no denying the lack of experience and the defense is the team's weak point.
At the midfield, Moreau is in a defensive position, with Tchoutang on the riht and Wome on the left. The ace of the team, Mboma, starts the attack from the position lower than top. The one-top system is fluid and Job of Lyon is quite powerful. However, Le Roy is hinting that he will not use Mboma, but instead call back the veteran Oman Biyick to activate the team.
*FEDERATION
CAMERUNAISE DE
FOOTBALL
[Address]
- Boite Postale 1116
- Yaounde
[Established] 1959
*4th World Cup
(1982, 1990, 1994, 1998)
No championships |
Patric MBOMA
* Forward
Cameroon's new ace whose biggest weapon is middle shooting and of whom much is expected
With Cameroon still in the middle of a generational changeover, Mboma is counted on as a central presence to take the place of Oman Biyick, who had been the ace of the team. He began his professional career on the B team for Paris SG in France and had an unlucky period in which he was shuttled from team to team, but since he make his electrifying move to Gamba Osaka, he has been well known. He comes to this World Cup as a key player who can play as the game maker or as the attacker. However, due to a dispute, there is also a move by the new coach Le Roy to remove Mboma and bring back Oman Biiku to take his place. Future moves bear watching.
Clude LE ROY
The Cameroon Association announced the appointment of Clude Le Roy as the coach of the national team at the end of March. Le Roy lost no time in naming Pierre Mankowsky as his assistant and former national team player Thomas Nkono as the goalkeeper trainer. Le Roy is returning to the Cameroon national team for the first time since he led it to the African championship in 1988. He served as the coach of Senegal in 1989 and 1992. After coaching the Malaysian national team, he served as the information officer for Africa for Milan. From 1996, he was the technical director for Paris SG.
|
