With Cameroon now confirmed as the Caltex Socceroos' opponent in the group stage of the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia, we take a closer look at the newly crowned African champions.
Cameroon to play Caltex Socceroos in Russia
Nickname: The Indomitable Lions
Current FIFA world ranking: 62
History against Caltex Socceroos
Cameroon and Caltex Socceroos have never met at senior level. But Cameroon do have fond memories of Australia, with the nation’s under-23 team winning Olympic Gold at the 2000 Games in Sydney.
When they’ll play in Russia
The Caltex Socceroos take on Cameroon in their second group match at the Confederations Cup in St Petersburg on June 23 (AEDT).
Record at Confeds Cup
The Indomitable Lions have played at the Confederations Cup on two previous occasions in 2001 and 2003. In their most recent appearance in ’03, they made it all the way to the final where they lost 1-0 against France.
Coach: Hugo Broos
The 64-year-old Belgian has done a superb job since taking charge just a year ago, turning the Indomitable Lions into a side that is hard to beat. A rugged defender during his playing career – which included 24 caps for Belgium – Broos’ side is defensively very strong and organised. They conceded just three times in six games during AFCON 2017, but only managed to score seven in total.
Players to watch:
Christian Bassogog (AaB Aalborg)
AFCON 2017 was a breakout tournament for the 21-year-old attacker, where he had a massive impact for the champions. The 21-year-old got his start playing in America before moving to Danish outfit Aab. Speed is his major weapon.
Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas)
The powerful forward is the toast of Cameroon right now, with his late goal the winner in the final. Already has 52 caps to his name at just 25-years-old with a decent scoring return of 14 goals. Big, powerful and lightning quick, Aboubakar – who plays in Turkey on loan from FC Porto – will be a handful in Russia.
Nicolas Nkoulou (Lyon)
Another player reaching the peak of his career in time for the Confeds Cup. The 26-year-old defender has played all his club football in France, starting at Monaco and now with Lyon. Cool and composed defensively, Nkoulou is a threat at set pieces, scoring with a towering header in the final against Egypt.
