African football's most experienced challengers, playing in their sixth World Cup, exited the tournament with a second loss, 2-1 to Denmark, a result which is a harsh reminder that the host continent still has some ground to make up in the global game.
Their third and final game against the Netherlands, which could have been a glorious clash between one of Europe's most classy sides and the Indomitable Lions, will now be a meaningless game with the Dutch already through.
Cameroon played some entertaining and attractive football, at times a joy to watch, but apart from Eto'o's 10th minute opener, they lacked the killer touch in the penalty area while Denmark certainly made the most of their chances.
Eto'o also hit the post with a well-struck left-foot effort and by the end of the game he was almost single handedly trying to break down a very solid Danish defence.
There was not a lot wrong with the defence either, marshaled by Sebastien Bassong - certainly the dated, old stereotype about 'naïve African defending' cannot explain Cameroon's fate.
Cameroon's talented players love to have the ball at their feet and relish the chance to go forward at every opportunity but there are times when 'game management' requires more modest, patient and efficient approaches.
Cameroon's French coach Paul Le Guen had bowed to player power with his selection and his team responded with a sparkling start to the game but they were up against a team that might yet prove to be one of the most under-rated here.
Morten Olsen's side now face a winner-takes-all clash with Japan in the final game of Group E and if they perform with the confidence, organisation and sharpness that they displayed on a crisp evening at Loftus Versfeld, they should make it to the last 16.
Denmark do not have a player with the individual quality of Eto'o but they are a reminder of the enduring value of team-work, familiarity, movement and good passing on the ground.
