Jon’s — Ultimate National Challenge — The new start

The list below is what I need to win and what I have already won so far;

The Copa America

The Oceania Nations Cup

The Caribbean Championships*

The Gold Cup

The World Cup – 2014 England

The Confederations Cup – 2013 England

The Olympics*

The African Nations

The Asian Cup

The European Championships – 2012 England

The Four Associations Tournament

As you can see there is two cups with a * on the end, they are in place because they aren’t a cup I have to win to complete it. If I get the chance I shall go for it but I will not be searching for the job.

Hey guys and Ana, as you no I’ve stepped down from the post as England Manager and I was on the look for a new job. So 7 or 8 months down the line nothing came  up it was starting to get quite frustrating after months gone by I was giving up hope and was getting bored just pressing continue. But I noticed that it was the African Cup of Nations and I thought to myself if someone didn’t get sacked from this cup I’d give up but luckily for me the Cameroon job came available and I snapped at the chance like it was no tomorrow!

I wondered why the previous manager got the sack from Cameroon and I can fully understand the Cameroonian FA for giving Serge Mimpo the sack from the job and I can assure you that this won’t be happening under my reign. Have a look for yourself;

As you should know by now that Cameroon are a team that are based in the region of Africa and they have a cup that I need to win called the “African Cup of Nations” so as you can guess by when I said I “Snapped at the chance” I did! I applied for the job a whole 7 days later they came back to me and well they offered me the job something I didn’t even hesitate to accept I couldn’t wait to get back into the process of picking my first eleven. Even if they are players I can’t pronounce!

So like no other job on this game you are given expectations each year with a club and with national side every competition. So as it was my first day they gave me my expectations and I must say these were without a doubt the easiest expectations I’ve had since I’ve played Football Manager. Have a look for yourself;

So guys and Ana, all I have to do is “uphold the country’s hour in every match.” Sounds easy enough to me this means just don’t get thrashed! Which I don’t plan to do anyway hopefully the other way round!

Right so it’s February in 2015 which means there is 10 months left of the year and Cameroon had already arranged four friendlies which I guess Serge Mimpo planned to manage but seems as he’s gone it’s my job  to take charge and give myself a couple of wins under Cameroon. Right so I’m guessing you want to know who we playing against, first up we Democratic Republic of
São Tomé and Príncipe who are currently ranked 206^th in the world, Second up we had Mauritius who are currently ranked at 160^th in the world, The third team Cameroon are playing are a team I played against when I was managing England and this team is Andorra who are currently ranked 177^th in the world and lastly Cameroon are playing Democratic Republic of Congo who are currently ranked 72^nd in the world. These four games I am looking for 4 wins out 4 games something I can see is potentially do-able.

As you know now as a manager of the national squad you have to pick a squad of 26 men from Cameroon or who are eligible to play for Cameroon, and my time has come to do so for Cameroon. So I sit in front of my laptop literally for around 10 minutes analysing each position these being Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders and Strikers. So yes you can count that’s 40 minutes picking my first squad for my first two matches as the boss. So I personally think I have managed to pick a great bunch of players and for some bizarre reason I never actually pick a full squad I am always a few players short which I am again for this squad. I won’t post player profiles as I am only experimenting with my players but when it comes to a “big” tournament you will get player profiles. Here have a look at who I have picked;

My Goalkeepers –

Carlos Kameni – 65 Caps – Espanyol, Guy Roland Ndy Assembe – 13 Caps – POAK and Sylvain Elessie – No Caps (11 Youth Caps) – OGC Nice

My Defenders (LB, RB, CB) –

Eric Matokou – 34 Caps – Duisburg, Sebastian Bassong – 46 Caps – Liverpool, Alex Song – 62 Caps – Arsenal, Aurelien Chedjou – 36 Caps – Benfica, Stephane Mbia – 66 Caps – Inter Milan, Nicolas Nkoulou – 45 Caps – Schalke,  Joel Matip – 44 Caps – Villarreal, Allan Nyom – 6 Caps – Hibermian, Benoit Assou-Ekotto – 48 Caps – Tottenham and Gaetan Bong – 5 Caps – As Saint-Etienne

My Midfielders (RM, LM, CM) —

Jean II Makoun – 70 Caps – Villarreal, Eyong Enoh – 52 Caps – Valencia, Tony Tchani – 2 Caps – En Avant de Guingamp and  Jean-Marie Ngah – No Caps (18 Youth Caps) – NAC Breda

Strikers –

Vincent Aboubakar – 19 Caps – Barcelona, Maxim Choupo – Moting – 17 Caps – HSV, Samuel Eto’o – 120 Caps – No Club, Henri Bienvenu – 8 Caps – SC Heerenveen and Leonard Kweuke – 18 Caps — OM

Total Caps combined (Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders and Strikers) – 775 Caps

If you didn’t know I write my stories on Microsoft Word 2010 and word will underline in a red line any words that aren’t in the English language so most first name and every single second name from my Cameroon team was underlined with the red line.

A little injury worry for myself as five days before my first match in charge the keeper who would have been my number one between the sticks for Cameroon, Carlos Kameni has managed to sprain his wrist in training with the national squad which obviously meant he was not going to be able to play so they allowed me to pick a replacement and I choose a player from the under 20’s squad he is uncapped and goes by the name of Serge Atah and is under contract with AS Monaco FC.

Finally it has come to the day I lead the Cameroon side out of the tunnel for my first match something I’ve been waiting for since I joined and it is upon me! This is a good time to experiment with my players! Finally here is my first eleven picked to play against Democratic Republic of
São Tomé and Príncipe;

According to a well-known source that is “The Cameroonian Football Express.”

They say “A no-contest in my view, Cameroon to win with ease.”

Prior to the match in the dressing room I give my team talk and I’ve kept it pretty straight forward “Impress me” but you may of gathered I don’t speak French (The main spoken language in Cameroon) so I am guessing I’ve got an interpreter and he said “Impress Moi” so not much change there, any who let’s kick off the first half.

First half –

24^th minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar

28^th minute – GOAL – Leonard Kweuke

42^nd minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar (2)

Half time

Cameroon 3 – 0 São Tomé and Príncipe

My half time team talk was short and sweet I was “Pleased” and for the players “Heureux” why wouldn’t I be pleased? My first match and 3 -0 up at half time superb!

I only made one substitution in this match and it was Eyong Enoh making his way to the bench and for Joel Matip to make his first appearance under me! So let’s quick off for the second half.

Second half –

54^th minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar (3)

73^rd minute – GOAL – Leonard Kweuke

83^rd minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar (4)

87^th minute – GOAL – Cedric N’Doumbe

Full time

Cameroon 7 – 0 São Tomé and Príncipe

My full time team talk to my boys was something that only needed one word in French “Bravo” Figure it out for yourself now, if not use a translator ;)

So time for the match report –

Cameroon 7 – 0 Sao Tome and Principe (Friendly)

Fans sang praises of their at Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo as Cameroon ran out 7-0 winners over Sao Tome and Principe in their latest friendly fixture. The game will be remembered for a remarkable display of goal scoring from Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar.

Striker Vincent Aboubakar gave Cameroon the lead with a finish executed with aplomb in the 24 minute. Striker Leonard Kweuke doubled Cameroon’s lead with a curling shot from the edge of the area on28 minutes.

Aboubakar added his 2^nd goal with a close range finish which was timed impeccably on 42 minutes. Aboubakar added his 3^rd goal of the game with a powerful effort from the edge of the area on 54 minutes.

Kweuke added his 2^nd goal of the game with an incisive finish on 73 minutes. Aboubakar added his 4^th goal of the game with a powerful effort on 83 minutes.

Winger Cedric N’Doumbe completed the rout with an accurate finish on 87 minutes.

I’ve uploaded the highlights from my first game in charge and here they are (available in HD 1080p);

My first game and I am astonished with what they have done, they may have been a weak team but 7 -0 is a big score line! So far I’ve got my first win and my first hat-trick by somewhat my main player Vincent Aboubakar what more could I ask for? Come on Cameroon!

My second match with Cameroon is upon us and we are up against Mauritius a team we should be able to win with ease, I did have to pick my 26 man squad but I choose not to re-write them but seems as it’s the same squad as last I choose not to re-write it again.

My first eleven will walk proudly out on the home pitch with my in charge and here have a look who is playing;

According to a well-known source that is “The Cameroonian Football Express.”

They say “I fully expect Cameroon to record an easy win over Mauritius. There will be goals tonight.”

Prior to the match in the dressing room I gave my team talk and I’ve kept it pretty straight forward “Impress me” earn a place in the first eleven. Now for the boys wearing the shirt “Impress me tailler une place dans le onze premiers.” Now let’s kick of the first half.

First half —

10^th minute – GOAL – Sebastian Bassong

42^nd minute – GOAL – Stephane Mbia

45+2 minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar

Half time –

Cameroon 3 – 0 Mauritius

My half time team talk was a calm and respected talk to my players being 3 – 0 up I said “pleased” carry on how you are doing. Now for the boys “Heureux de porter sur la facon dont vous faites” let’s get back for the second half.

Second half —

61^st minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar (2)

Full time – Team talk – Well done

My full time team talk was pretty simple again, “Bravo, continuez” which means Well done, keep it up.

The match report –

Cameroon 4 – 0 Mauritius (Friendly)

Fans sang the praises of their heroes at Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo as Cameroon ran out 4-0 winners over Mauritius in their latest friendly fixture. A brace from Vincent Aboubakar helped Cameroon to victory.

Strong centre-back Sebastian Bassong got Cameroon off to a flyer by scoring a header on 10 minutes. Strong centre-back Stephane Mbia doubled Cameroon’s lead with a good header from just inside the six yard box on 42 minutes.

Aboubakar scored with an incisive finish in the 45^th minute to extend the lead further. There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 61 minutes as that man Aboubakar popped up again with a well struck effort.

I’ve uploaded the highlights from my second game in charge and here they are (available in HD 1080p);

So a little bit of sad news now, something I didn’t really want to happen so soon, Samuel Eto’o has decided to hang up his boots not just from international but club as well, it is a shame that he has decided to leave us, he was a true leader for the country and gave inspirational team talks (I hope)!

Right so we are without Eto’o as you can guess seems as he retired two days before we was about to play Andorra so there will be a change in the first eleven now who will get it? Well here you go folks here is my starting eleven;

According to a well-known source that is “The Cameroonian Football Express.”

They say “I think Cameroon will have too much quality for Andorra and it should be a comfortable win for them.”

Prior to the match in the hotel I gave my team a little team talk, I know it isn’t a choice but “Show what you’ve got” so in other words “Impress me” and in French it is “Montrez ce que vous avez”. Anyway let’s get into the first half.

First half —

29^th minute – GOAL – Alex Song

35^th minute – GOAL – Jean-Marie Ngah

Half time –

Cameroon 2 – 0 Andorra

So half time and 2 – 0 up against Andorra, When I was managing England manager I was only 3 – 0 at half time so we aren’t doing so bad, I told them “I am pleased so far, show me more.” And in French “Je suis Heureux pour autant, me montrer plus”.

One substitution was made at half time Henri Bienvenu makes way for Allan Nyom.

Let’s get back to the second half.

Second half –

55^th minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar

66^th minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar (2)

69^th minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar (3)

84^th minute – GOAL – Sebastian Bassong

Full time –

Cameroon 6 – 0 Andorra

So full time at Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo and what a game it was, 6 – 0 we managed to equal England’s score of 6 – 0 maybe if we play England 6-6? ;) My team talk to the lads was short and sweet “Well done” and in French “Bravo”.

Match report –

Cameroon 6 – 0 Andorra (Friendly)

Cameroon fans celebrated an emphatic 6-0 win at Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo this evening. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar.

Player Florian Levesque showed a sign of things to come though as he nearly gifted Cameroon a goal after just one minute. Tenacious defensive midfielder Alex Song gave Cameroon the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box in the 29^th minute.

Midfielder Jean-Marie Ngah doubled Cameroon’s lead with a real poacher’s effort on 35 minutes. Aboubakar scored with a tidy finish in the 55^th minute to extend the lead further.

Aboubakar added his 2^nd goal of the game with a simple finish from close range in the 66^th minute. The striker went onto complete a hat trick with an eighteen yard screamer on 69 minutes.

Strong centre back Sebastian Bassong completed the rout with a close range header on 84 minutes.

I’ve uploaded the highlights from my third game in charge and here they are (available in HD 1080p);

So everyone can Cameroon make is four wins out of four I sure hope they do, it will be a great achievement for myself and I am sure we can get somewhere with Cameroon big things will happen! Cameroon are up against DR Congo they are the strongest team we will to played so far based on the world rankings. So here is my starting eleven for the match against DR Congo;

According to a well-known source that is “The Cameroonian Football Express.”

They said “I fancy Cameroon to win this one. They should have enough quality to see off the threat of DR Congo.”

Prior to the match I gave my team talk on the coach coming to the ground over the microphone I said “I expect a win” and in French that’s “Je m’attends a une victoire”. Let’s get the first half under away.

First half –

42^nd minute – GOAL – Vincent Aboubakar

Half time –

Cameroon 1 – 0 DR Congo

My team talk was going to be different from what it is now, based on Aboubakar scoring in the 42^nd minute, so I say to them boys “Ne soyez pas negligent” which translates to “Don’t get careless” time for the second half.

Second half –

71^st minute – PENALTY – Missed (Phew) Joachim Mununga

Full time –

Cameroon 1 – 0 DR Congo

The team talk was an easy one and it was “Bravo” a good win tonight I’ll see you in 2016 where it all kicks off!

The match report –

Cameroon 1 – 0 DR Congo (Friendly)

Cameroon produced a good display this evening to see of the challenge of Democratic Republic of Congo at Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo.

Cameroon finally took the lead when striker Vincent Aboubakar scored a tap-in on 42 minutes. Winger Joachim Mununga had a chance to score from the penalty spot for DR Congo on the 71 minutes mark but missed his spot-kick.

Both teams had a number of attempts at goal, which promised much, but the quality of finishing was poor throughout.

I’ve uploaded the highlights from my third game in charge and here they are (available in HD 1080p);

So that’s a wrap for this, indeed it was a long one and I appreciate you sticking to the story, well I hope you have as you will be reading this section. But that’s four wins out of four games superb and I can’t wait for 2016 bigger and better things for Cameroon and myself!

I’d like to compare the results I’ve had since I’ve been here and the four previous results that Serge Mimpo was in charge off;

Lastly in this post, the draw for my World Cup African Qualifying Section Round Group 10;

Leave your interesting and creative responsive in the comment section below.

Steam – IAmWombRaider

E-mail – MrFootballManager@hotmail.com

YouTube — http://www.youtube.com/MrFootballManager