Cameroon boss Clarence Seedorf has claimed the Indomitable Lions are more motivated to defend their Africa Cup of Nations crown in the wake of their preparations for the tournament being disrupted by a payment dispute.
Seedorf's charges will do duty in their AFCON 2019 opener tonight against Guinea-Bissau, the same team they faced in their first clash en route to clinching their fifth tournament title in Gabon in 2017.
The five-time African champions were stripped of the right to host the showpiece due to ill-preparation, and made further unwanted headlines when they arrived late for the spectacle due to a payment row.
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However, Seedorf has since dismissed suggestions that Cameroon's preparations were disturbed due to the payment dispute, claiming the row actually unified the team."That issue actually reinforced team spirit. We have prepared well and are highly motivated," he said, as per The National.
"We need to perform and show on the field why we are title favourites too. I think we have the talent and the possibility to do something very important.
"The way the team is working at the moment, I'm very happy about that and convinced that we are ready to fight to retain our trophy, knowing that we will face very good teams during the event.
"There is a lot of talent within the squad and a good mix of youth and experience."
Cameroon face Guinea-Bissau in their AFCON opener at the Ismailia Stadium on Tuesday evening, with kick-off set for 19:00.