Cameroon is celebrating the Indomitable Lions record-equalling Nations Cup victory in Mali 2002.

The festivities are expected to continue for the next few days as the team, most of whom are based in Europe, take a few days to relax.

Thousands of fans, dance groups and an official delegation were on hand at the Yaounde's International Airport to welcome the Lions home late on Sunday night.

The anxious crowd had to endure a wait of more than six hours before the team stepped off the plane.

Then the drumming, dancing, singing and drinking, which has been going on in earnest since Senegal's Aliou Cisse missed his penalty to hand Cameroon the trophy, reached a new level.

During a hastily organized ceremony at the airport, Government minister Atangana Mebara welcomed the Lions saying the nation was proud of their achievements

President's praise

Team captain Rigobert Song thanked the entire nation for the trust and support the team had been given throughout the competition.

The team is expected to do a victory tour of the country with the trophy .