Yaounde - Cameroon's capital city was plunged into misery as the Indomitable Lions failed to live up to their nickname and became the first African team to be eliminated from the World Cup.

Crowds trooped home in silence from the pubs and big screens they had gathered in and around to watch their team take on Denmark.?

Yet the evening had started with so much promise.

Fans were overjoyed that coach Paul Le Guen had reinstated Alexandre Song to the midfield, believing the Arsenal player would drive his team on to victory.

"You will see what Song will do today," one vocal fan declared. "He will stop all Danish attacks, and he will feed us with the balls needed."

People streamed into the streets to celebrate when Samuel Eto'o fired Cameroon ahead, anticipating a large victory as their star striker got off the mark.

But cries of anguish followed when Denmark equalised just after the hour mark. The only sound was the distant drone of the vuvuzelas and the commentary from the big screens.

When Denmark went 2-1 ahead, and Cameroon failed to capitalise on a series of opportunities, the crowds began hurling insults at the players.

As the final whistle blew, fans streamed off without speaking and the streets quickly emptied.

Le Guen had given the fans the line up they wanted, but could not deliver them the victory they craved. There was nothing to say.

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