New Cameroon coach Toni Conceicao says he is well aware of the challenges which lie ahead of him after taking over the reins of the Indomitable Lions.

The former CFR Cluj mentor was announced as Cameroon’s new coach last week, with the Portuguese replacing Dutchman Clarence Seedorf.

The latter was axed after an unconvincing showing by the team in Egypt in defence of their Africa Cup of Nations title a couple of months back.

The Indomitable Lions will be under pressure to put in a stronger showing when they host the next AFCON in 2021, and Conceicao is ready for a tough road ahead in what will be his first national team posting.

“For a long time I’ve been working on this and I know the challenges ahead,” Conceicao told the BBC.

“This is a great opportunity for me to coach Cameroon. The country has a great football history and is a prestigious nation. I’m here to thrive for good results.

This is very important for us as a team and for the country.”

Conceicao’s right-hand man will be Cameroon legend Francois Omam-Biyik, who won the 1988 AFCON as a player.

“As a player or coach for Cameroon, it’s always the same ambitions, that of winning games and making Cameroonians proud,” said Omam-Biyik.

“We have the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 to host and we know we have to win the competition. Cameroon is a football-loving country and every Cameroonian is a football coach who at times are very demanding.”

Conceicao’s first competitive match in charge of the Indomitable Lions will be a 2021 AFCON qualifier at home to Cape Verde Islands in November.