Finke: The mentality has changed

Ahead of their 2015 CAF Africa Cup of Nations opener against Mali, Cameroon tactician Volker Finke said they’ve put their FIFA World Cup disappointment behind them.

Finke's men will tussle against the Eagles in Malabo on Tuesday in their opening Group D campaign hoping to prove a point following their dismal showing in Brazil last year after losing three matches.

"I really think the spirit, the mentality has changed, the last two or three months there has been a closed dressing room,” Finke told FIFA.com

“Good work starts from there and nothing has leaked out of the dressing room, the group is united and all working together."

The Indomitable Lions conceded nine goals in losing their three group games in Brazil, with a bust-up between Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Benjamin Moukandjo in a 4-0 loss to Croatia the enduring image of a disastrous campaign.

However, in the wake of the retirement of legendary striker Samuel Eto'o, they bounced back to top their qualifying group ahead of Côte d'Ivoire to make their Afcon return for the first time since 2010.

The German coach said there was one very good experience, which was the preparation in Austria.

“At the end of which we drew (2-2) with Germany, with a really good performance of the team,” added the coach.

"It was maybe a bit dangerous to go into the World Cup with everyone thinking it was going to be great. Then afterwards all these reasons why we had this unacceptable World Cup...it's not the day, it's not the time, it's over now.

"We are just working towards the future, I know what was going on and this is why we always pay attention to make sure we keep going in the same direction.”

The match gets underway at 21:00 (SA time) at Estadio de Malabo and the West African side will also meet the Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire and the National Elephants of Guinea in their group at the Cup of Nations.