A few hours before the big match between Cameroon and Gambia, counting for the third group stage match of the AFCON 2023, all eyes are on Rigobert Song. The one who started his coaching career in 2018 is going through a terrible series that does not inspire any confidence among Cameroonians before this decisive match.
The third and final day of the group stage matches of AFCON 2023 started this Monday with many surprises. Initiated by Ivory Coast, the host country that was thrashed by Equatorial Guinea, this third day continued with the disillusionment of Ghana in the night, coupled with the new draw of the Pharaohs of Egypt. For now, the big teams are on the verge of leaving the competition even before the round of 16. Among the teams under the threat of elimination at the end of this final day, we find Rigobert Song’s Cameroon.
The stat that sends chills down the spine
Having taken over the Indomitable Lions before the 2022 World Cup played in Qatar, the former Cameroonian defender continues his journey at the helm of the national team this Tuesday against Gambia’s Scorpions. Placed in Group C alongside Senegal and Guinea Conakry, Cameroon is forced to win to secure qualification for the next round. If on paper, there should be no debate given the qualities in Rigobert Song’s team, the reality on the field may be quite different with this unique AFCON 2023.
Before this important match, statistics do not favor Coach Song. After the end of his playing career in 2010, the former Galatasaray defender (2004-2008, 108 matches for 4 goals) has not really succeeded in his new life as a coach. As the Cfoot points out, the current head of the Indomitable Lions has never qualified a team for the knockout stage of an official competition. We are obviously talking about CHAN 2018, the U23 AFCON in 2019, and the recent World Cup played in Qatar.
Rigobert Song is not afraid
With these meager statistics, serenity is not at all present among Cameroonians. Today, the big question is whether Rigobert Song can end this poor streak by qualifying Cameroon for the AFCON 2023 round of 16. In the press conference this Monday before the match, the 47-year-old man appeared very confident and serene. Responding to a question about the pressure on his shoulders, given the criticism in Cameroon for the draw against Guinea (1-1) and the defeat against Senegal (3-1), the coach will be uncompromising.
“First of all, I am someone special, I don’t panic, I don’t stress. I listen, I understand the criticisms, I know what I have to do, I stay composed. They know me, my players, I maintain my lucidity, I simply tell them: Do your job. I have experienced pressure since my youngest age, I have known it, pressure, as a player. It’s part of the game, you win, you are strong, you lose, you are bad. I don’t get into that game,” said Song, who believes that Cameroon will come out successful against Gambia. “I trust my players, we will succeed,” concluded the Cameroonian phoenix.
See you this Tuesday at the final whistle to see if Cameroon will manage to avoid humiliation. In any case, all Cameroonians are waiting for success to at least reach the round of 16.
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