Cameroon finally hires Lavagne on permanent deal

Cameroon's government and football federation have organized a permanent contract for Denis Lavagne to coach the national team, more than six months after he took charge.

The Frenchman signed a one-year contract on Monday, backdated from November 2011.

Sports minister Adoum Garoua said the contract was renewable and Lavagne was expected to qualify the four-time champions for next year's African Cup of Nations plus the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Lavagne was brought in after Javier Clemente failed to lead Cameroon to this year's African Cup, but the new coach was an unpopular choice and has been criticized by supporters and the media.

Cameroon won its opening World Cup qualifier this weekend but was unimpressive in a 1-0 home victory over Congo.