Cameroon selects Akono for head-coaching post

Jean-Paul Akono returns to coach Cameroon, where he led the team in 2000-01.

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YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) -- Cameroon has appointed Jean-Paul Akono as coach to replace Denis Lavagne, returning to the man who led the team a decade ago and was part of the 2000 Olympic gold medal-winning team.

Minister of Physical Education Garoua Adoum made the announcement on Thursday through state radio.

The decision came as Cameroon faced imminent elimination from qualifying for next year's African Nations Cup. The four-time African Champions were surprisingly beaten last Saturday at Cape Verde.

The change of coach comes amid friction within the squad. Former captain Samuel Eto'o has declined to join the team after he was suspended late last year for leading a revolt that resulted to Cameroon not playing a friendly with Algeria.

Akono, who coached the team in 2000-01, will be assisted by Martin Ntoungou Mpile.

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