The Cameroon national football team, known as the Indomitable Lions, has a rich history in international football. The team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup eight times, more than any other African team, and four times in a row between 1990 and 2002. They were also the first African team to reach the quarter-final of the World Cup in 1990.
Cameroon's performance in FIFA World Cup
The 2002 African Cup of Nations Victory
Cameroon used sleeveless Puma shirts at the 2002 African Cup of Nations in Mali, which they won for the fourth time. This victory was a significant moment for the team and the nation.
Cameroon started the 2002 African Cup of Nations competition with a 1-0 win over DR Congo. That was followed by another 1-0 win against Ivory Coast, and a comfortable 3-0 win against Togo. These results led Cameroon to qualify from the group stage to the quarter-finals as their group's winner. In the knockout stage, M'Boma's goal in the 62nd minute lifted Cameroon over Egypt 1-0.
Here's a summary of Cameroon's performance in the 2002 African Cup of Nations:
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| Match | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | DR Congo | 1-0 |
| Group Stage | Ivory Coast | 1-0 |
| Group Stage | Togo | 3-0 |
| Quarter-Finals | Egypt | 1-0 |
Rigobert Song Interview After Cameroon Win Over Ivory Coast AFCON Africa Cup Of Nations 2002
FIFA's Intervention and the Sleeveless Jersey Controversy
FIFA, however, did not allow Cameroon to use the same kits as at the 2002 World Cup, and black sleeves were added to the shirts.
The 2004 African Cup of Nations witnessed Cameroon again run into controversy regarding their kits. Puma had designed a one-piece kit for the Cameroon team which FIFA declared illegal, stating that the kits must have separate shirts and shorts.
FIFA then imposed fines on Cameroon and deducted six points from their qualifying campaign. Puma argued that a two-piece kit is not stated as a requirement in the FIFA laws of the game.
The Aftermath
Despite the controversies, the 2002 jersey remains an iconic symbol of Cameroon's footballing success and the battles they faced both on and off the field.
Cameroon 2002 World Cup Jersey
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