Sports - Eto'o Return Expected To Save Cameroon From Elimination

Striker Samuel Eto'o returns to the Cameroon side as they attempt to prevent elimination from the African Nations Cup at the hands of the island archipelago of Cape Verde in the final round of qualifiers this weekend.

Along with Cape Verde Islands, the Central African Republic are also on the verge of their first African Nations Cup qualification in a turn about in fortunes for two of the continent's smallest countries from virtually no international competition just over 10 years ago.

Cape Verde Islands are 2-0 up against four-times winners Cameroon, who replaced their coach following their first-leg defeat.

Eto'o, who had refused to play in the first match after labelling the set-up around the team amateurish, made himself available for Sunday's game following a meeting with Cameroon's prime minister.

"I am convinced that together, putting aside other interests for the country, we are capable, with God's assistance, of giving Cameroon football the panache, and shine of old," Eto'o said last month.

The Central African Republic, who have jumped from 200th in the FIFA rankings in 2009 to 49 in the latest standings, have a 1-0 first-leg lead against Burkina Faso, having upset record winners Egypt in the first round of qualifiers.