Mboma has a chance to revive his international career

The call comes just days after the striker told reporters that he thought his international career was over.

"I'm very disappointed, my career with the national team is over," said Mboma, after his J-League match on Sunday, a day after he turned 33.

But after the call from Schaefer a delighted Mboma told reporters: "The coach just called me and wants me to return. I think my national career is not finished.

"I'm very happy, because I think I deserve to stay with the team. I didn't make things bad against all the players and the coaches.

"I was really astonished when I was dropped from the squad last week.

"But now things are back to normal. The players really want me to join the team, because they know with my experience I can really be helpful.

"They encouraged to talk with the coaches. That's the reason why they called me."

Mboma, who scored against Ireland in the World Cup, became the most popular Cameroon player in the J-League when he scored the fastest season-opening goal, in 26 seconds, soon after arriving in Japan in 1997.

Wednesday's encounter will be the first meeting between the two sides since Japan defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the 2001 Confederations Cup.

"We played several African teams this season and obviously Cameroon are the number one in Africa," said Japan coach Zico.