Cameroon fans have high expectations of their team for 2010
Cameroon are returning to the World Cup as one of Africa's strongest teams, after missing the previous edition in Germany in 2006.
The Indomitable Lions, who thrilled the world in their five previous appearances, have been revitalised by new coach Paul Le Guen.
They had picked up just a single point from their first two matches in the qualifiers.
After Le Guen's appointment they won four matches in a row to go through.
Their appearance is a record sixth for an African nation at the World Cup finals.
The footballing world first took notice of Cameroon at the 1982 World Cup but their performance during the 1990 tournament, where they reached the quarter-finals, was their high point.
See how Cameroon qualified for the World Cup
They qualified for the next three finals in 1994, 1998 and 2002 but failed to get beyond the group phase on each occasion.
Now Le Guen has rung the changes and a new generation, like Alex Song and Nicolas Nkoulou, is coming through to play alongside the likes of Geremi and veteran keeper Carlos Kameni.
"To progress past the first round would be great and then we'll see what happens," Le Guen said.
"There is a team here that is able to give joy to the fans."
And new captain Samuel Eto'o, three-time African Player of the Year, is unrestrained about the chances of his well-balanced side.
"We have a good team with young players and veterans - a great mixture. I am optimistic. Cameroon could well cause a surprise at the World Cup finals," Eto'o said.
With the Indomitable Lions regaining their confidence playing them on their home continent could be tricky.
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