Back against the wall after the first two matches in Group C at AFCON 2023, Rigobert Song and Cameroon have a crucial game against Gambia. Will Vincent Aboubakar be able to play in this decisive match? The official response from the Cameroonian coach is here.
The third group stage matches of AFCON 2023 kick off this Monday with matches involving Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Ghana. While some countries like Senegal and Cape Verde already have their tickets to the round of 16 secured with two victories in the first two rounds, the majority of qualifiers will be known after this last day. Among the big names on the continent facing unfavorable circumstances before this final day, Cameroon stands out. Against Gambia’s Scorpions this Tuesday, Rigobert Song and his players must win to advance to the next round. For this crucial match, the presence of captain Vincent Aboubakar is highly desired by Cameroonians.
The unfortunate news from Song
Injured just before the start of AFCON 2023, the forward, who celebrates his 32nd birthday today, has not played a single minute yet. In the stands for the matches against Guinea and Senegal, Vincent Aboubakar was sorely missed by the Indomitable Lions, who only have 1 point to date. While FECAFOOT and Rigobert Song stated when announcing the bad news that the Besiktas striker should quickly return to competition, things are taking time.
This Monday, in front of the press, the Cameroonian coach, who risks his survival and coaching reputation against the Gambians, spoke about Aboubakar. If some announced the return of the top scorer of AFCON 2021 to the squad, Rigobert Song says otherwise. “For the moment, he has started jogging. However, it’s too tight; I don’t think Abou will be ready to play tomorrow,” confides Rigobert Song, confirming the forfeit.
Cameroon trembles before Gambia
For the player, who is at odds with the Turkish club Besiktas, this is bad news. A great hope for the Cameroonian people before the start of AFCON 2023, Vincent Aboubakar is missing important opportunities for his country, against his will, of course. Can Cameroon get through without the player who should be changing clubs very soon? That’s the big question of the moment. In the first two matches of the Indomitable Lions, Rigobert Song’s team did not show sovereignty.
In numerical superiority against Guinea throughout the second half, the five-time African champions, who were fired up by Francis Ngannou this Sunday, only managed a pitiful draw. Despite the willingness of some players to do better, the count is still too low to worry in this AFCON 2023. Against the Senegalese powerhouse, the bill was steep, complicating the situation. Against Gambia, there shouldn’t be a normal match, but nothing is certain with the Indomitable Lions currently.
Song reassures again
If before Senegal, Rigobert Song, who is threatened with dismissal, assured that his team would not lose, which eventually happened, he once again wanted to convey his serenity before the Gambia match without Vincent Aboubakar. “I don’t panic. I don’t stress. I fear nothing. I was announced dead, but I’m here. I’m someone special,” he said.
For defender Nouhou Tolo, who accompanied his coach in front of the press this Monday, they need to do much better than in the first two encounters. “In the first two matches, we played very well; we just lacked experience and that fighting spirit. Honestly, I think we refused to run… For the Gambia match, if we agree to run, we will win.”
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