CAMEROON
Previous appearances in finals: 15
Best performance: Winners in 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002, runners-up in 1986 and 2008
Coach:
Paul LeGuen took a short-term contract with Cameroon in July when they were bottom of their Nations Cup/World Cup qualifying group.
A championship-winning coach in France with Olympique Lyon, his star had dimmed after undistinguished spells at Rangers and Paris St Germain.
But with Cameroon, LeGuen has proved inspirational, producing a change in attitude on the back of a desire to build a truly professional setup around the team.
His plans resonated loudly with the players, who responded by winning four successive qualifiers and booking their place at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa and Nations Cup.
Key players:
Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan). Age: 28. Forward
The three-times African Footballer of the Year has a distinguished collection of achievements to his name, including two Champions League winners medals with Barcelona, Olympic gold in Sydney and double success in the African Nations Cup finals, where he is also the tournament's all-time record scorer.
Jean Makoun (Olympique Lyon). Age: 26. Midfielder
Makoun is the engine room of the Cameroon side and already has considerable tournament experience from three Nations Cup finals. A 14 million euro ($20 million) buy for Lyon, Makoun initially made his name at Lille. He was dropped during the last Nations Cup in Ghana but has come back strongly over the last 18 months to reclaim his place at the heart of the midfield.
Achille Webo (Real Mallorca). Age: 27. Striker
Scorer of some vital goals for his country, including a hat-trick in past World Cup qualifiers. His entire professional career has been spent in the Spanish league. He seems to have settled into his role as back-up to Eto'o.
FIFA world ranking December 2009: 11th
Prospects:
Cameroon have been consistent performers at the Nations Cup over the last decade, including two titles and a surprising runners-up berth two years ago when they started the tournament poorly but recovered with typical fortitude.
Their side has shown much change recently with the transition from one generation to another but seem to be peaking at just the right time.
GABON
Previous appearances in finals: 3
Best performance: Quarter-finalists in 1996
