With most of the players having visa problems, only 14 of the 24-man squad turned out in the city of Bitburg.

Though skipper Rigobert Song, Geremi Njitap, Eric Djemba Djemba and Daniel Ngom Kome were present, the absence of the other World Cup star, Lauren, was worrying.

Recently Lauren has expressed disappointment in the way the team was managed during the World Cup, blaming the managers for the Lions' poor performance.

Lauren has also insinuated in several quarters that he may not return to the team, as his club side Arsenal have priority.

Meanwhile young goalkeeper Charles Itanji also refused to attend the camp.

Itanji, who is on the bench with French side Lens, appears more interested in a career with the French junior team than with Cameroon. He has been selected once, but did not play.

Andre Nguidjol, team manager of the Indomitable Lions, told BBC Sport Online that their aim of shortlisting Itanji was to forestall the French from using him.

The lack of a full training camp did not however stop the squad from having a friendly against German Division two side FSV Mainz on Thursday, but they lost 1-2. Geremi scored the Cameroon goal from a free kick.