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By Mark Gleeson
ACCRA, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Cameroon coach Otto Pfister said hard work in blistering weather in Saharan conditions before the African Nations Cup finals provided the platform for their progress to the final.
The 71-year-old German, appointed against the wishes of the Cameroon Football Federation by the country's sports ministry late last year, said his side had worked for 10 days in Burkina Faso before the tournament to build the physical shape needed for their march to Sunday's deciding game in Accra.
Cameroon will play in a sixth Nations Cup final after overcoming hosts Ghana 1-0 in their semi-final on Thursday.
Pfister, whose coaching credentials cross more than 10 African countries, said the achievement came despite having little time to work with the players.
"We played no friendlies before coming here, we had no real tests. Our opening match against Egypt was my first trial with this team," he said.
Cameroon were easily beaten by the defending champions in their opening Group C game and written off as contenders but bounced back to get to the final.
"I had to accept the difficult situation. I understand Africa, this is not Bayern Munich or Arsenal," he added.
"But after the first defeat we made the changes we needed to get back in the tournament."
Pfister said Cameroon had arguably the strongest squad at the finals in Ghana.
"First they are mentally very strong. Secondly, I have a great bench. I can bring great players into the game off the bench. There is not much difference in the standard between the players," he added.
"That is very important in a tournament like this."
Pfister, who was also a late choice as coach for Togo at the 2006 World Cup finals, coached Ghana in the 1992 Nations Cup finals. They lost on post-match penalties to Ivory Coast.
