Mboma and Lauren to miss Argentina

Midfielder Lauren will be much missed by the Lions

Cameroon v Argentina
Wednesday 1800 GMT, Geneva

The Indomitable Lions will miss two key players in their World Cup warm-up against Argentina on Wednesday.

Midfielder Lauren Etame Mayer sustained an injury last week in Arsenal's Champions League game against Juventus.

Striker Patrick Mboma is still not recovered from the thigh strain he received during the African Nations Cup.

We have shown we are one of the best in the world

Rigobert Song

Their absence is not causing serious worry to coach Winfried Schafer.

"It's an opportunity to try other players as we continue our preparations for the World Cup," he said.

Cameroon have not played together since winning the Nations Cup in February.

Most of the squad made an rushed trip back to Yaounde on Monday for a belated meeting with President Biya following their Mali 2002 victory.

Ultimate battle

The President failed to return from France in time to join in the team's celebrations after they won the cup last month.

Cameroon are upbeat about their chances at the World Cup, and want to keep their confidence up.

"It is important that we win the match against Argentina. That will keep the spirits high," Patrick Mboma said.

"We deserved the victory in Mali and I hope similar successes will follow us at the World Cup."

Pius Ndiefi said their opponents on Wednesday could not be tougher.

"Argentina is a very big country with a powerful team. I think we will have to play 150 percent to beat them," he said.

Team captain Rigobert Song summed up the teams mood.

"Just like I said before Mali, I will tell Cameroonians to wait and see what we will do," he said. "We have shown we are one of the best in the world. They will see what we can do in Korea and Japan."