Known for his direct speech, the Senegalese legend El-Hadji Diouf unleashed his criticism on Cameroon at the 2023 AFCON, targeting the management of Samuel Eto’o’s FECAFOOT before the clash between the two teams this Friday in Group C.
Since the beginning of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon has been a topic of extensive discussion. Already under the spotlight before the start of the competition, the Indomitable Lions have stood out with very particular decision-making, especially concerning certain players. Firstly, with the agreement between the FECAFOOT, led with an iron hand by Samuel Eto’o, and goalkeeper André Onana, to the unexpected inclusion of Vincent Aboubakar in the team despite his injury, or the non-summoning of Choupo-Moting, the mix is significant enough to shock many in the context of AFCON 2023. Before the clash in the second matchday of Group C between his Senegal and Cameroon, El-Hadji Diouf spoke out.
Diouf criticizes the handling of the Onana case
On the Canal+ channel, in the Talent d’Afrique show discussing the crucial clash between the two Lions of Sub-Saharan Africa, the former Liverpool star (2002-2005, 80 matches for 6 goals) openly criticized the poor management plaguing Cameroonian football. Seen during the first day of AFCON 2023 with André Onana in the match against Guinea Conakry, Diouf revealed approximately what he would have said to the Manchester United goalkeeper, who joined his national team just hours before the competition kicked off.
“With the Cameroon team, there is a high-level goalkeeper. There is the Africa Cup, and we know it is important for Cameroonians and Africans, and seeing their goalkeeper arrive two days before a match is unacceptable. Today, it’s unacceptable in Senegal. They show they’re going to the Africa Cup, but there’s nothing upfront. I was told earlier that Cape Verde is ahead of Ivory Coast and others, but it should be noted that Cape Verde has progressed,” the Senegalese legend first criticized.
“They have a management problem at the Federation”
While expressing sympathy for the many Cameroonian supporters, El-Hadji Diouf pointed out the poor management at the level of Cameroonian leaders, and when speaking of leaders, he referred to Samuel Eto’o, who is the head of FECAFOOT. Based on his discussions with internal actors in Paul Biya’s country, he believes that the Indomitable Lions are no longer a serious team on the continent.
“They are resting on their history, relying on their past, and it’s sad. Cameroon thinks it’s the continent, but it’s more like the continental hotel. Today, when we talk about football, we talk about serious teams; Morocco has worked to be where it is. Algeria, Senegal, and even Ivory Coast, but Cameroon has regressed a lot, and I feel sorry for Cameroonian supporters. […] I’ve talked to many people in the Federation (FECAFOOT) and others in the team; they have a management problem. Cameroon doesn’t have a problem on the field; they have a management problem at the Federation.”
It’s certainly a quite explosive statement that will stir up discussion. Regardless of what is said, many agree with the double African Ballon d’Or winner (2001 and 2002). Former players like Achille Emana, Aurélien Chedjou, and others share the bitter observation about Cameroon, where nothing is being done to truly offer a better spectacle to the fans. Rigobert Song is also one of the figures under scrutiny, being urged to step down from the helm of the national team in the event of a setback. The match against Senegal is crucial for the further adventure of the Indomitable Lions in this 2023 AFCON.
What do you think of Diouf’s comments?
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