Public opinion has been manipulated by some people who wanted Lechantre back. Lechantre himself was behind this campaign

Jean-Paul Akono

"Public opinion has been manipulated by some people who wanted Lechantre back. Lechantre himself was behind this campaign. I lived with that for seven months, and now I have had enough," says Akono.

Pierre Lechantre won the Nations Cup with the Indomitable Lions in Nigeria

"I was blamed for the Lions' bad results, but how can you have bad results when you keep winning games?"

After resigning, Akono says that despite his poor relationship with Lechantre he "wishes him all the best, every success".

"Cameroon need successes. Its football is very much appreciated around the world," added Akono.

Cameroon currently top Group A with a four-point gap over Angola and only two games to go.

The cold war between Akono and Lechantre became so frosty earlier this year that Sports Minister Bidoung Nkwatt had to step in and force the two to embrace each other in public and to promise to work together.

Cold war

After Akono's resignation, Lechantre told the BBC: "I don't want to react on Akono directly. I just want spirits to calm down.

Mboma, along with Fo� and Song, didn't play in Luanda.

"I want the Lions to be again the team that was feared everywhere. It has not been the case recently. The officials have taken their decision. Akono has to accept that. But I never did anything to undermine him.

"The decision to appoint me as technical director and for him to become national coach was never really accepted by the public.

Lechantre is now adamant he has accepted the national team coaching job, but only if he can work in the long term.

I want to be sitting on the bench at the next World Cup. I won't do it just for one or two games

Pierre Lechantre