Indomitable Lions led by Samuel Eto’o is headed for survival clash in Amazon against Croatia

Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o (9) collides with Mexico’s Hector Moreno during their group A World Cup match at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil. [PHOTO: AP]

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions must improve on a toothless display in their opening match when they face Croatia in the hot and humid Amazon city of Manaus in Group A on Wednesday while having to cope with the loss of pack leader Samuel Eto’o.

The four-time African Footballer of the Year has been ruled out of the clash due to a knee injury. Cameroon, who lost 1-0 against Mexico in their opener, are seeking their first World Cup win since 2002. Their next opponents Croatia, who have failed to reach the knockout stage since an impressive third-place finish in 1998, are also fighting for survival after losing their opener 3-1 against Brazil.