The situation is becoming tense for Cameroon in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023). After the defeat against Senegal, Samuel Eto’o has distinguished himself by threatening Rigobert Song with dismissal.
It’s no longer news that Cameroon has been in troubled waters for a few weeks. Already facing difficulties before the start of AFCON 2023 with controversies surrounding the team, things have significantly deteriorated since the first match. Despite being the clear favorite against Guinea’s Sily National, the Indomitable Lions were unable to secure three points in that match, even with a numerical advantage throughout the second half. While Samuel Eto’o has expressed his disappointment, he openly threatens Rigobert Song and his staff.
Samuel Eto’o’s threat
Completely dismayed in the stands during his country’s defeat against Senegal, an unprecedented event in the final phase of an Africa Cup of Nations, the president of the FECAFOOT (Cameroonian Football Federation) expressed his discontent. According to reports, Samuel Eto’o did not mince words against Rigobert Song, whom he supported in the past. “Aren’t you ashamed of humiliating Cameroonians? I will fire you! If you don’t do the job, I’ll fire you… you are incapable of making the team play,” declared the president of the FECAFOOT, as reported by the Cameroonian media outlet CFoot.
If the information is confirmed, it would be a significant move from the former captain of the Indomitable Lions, joining those who believe that Song is not up to the national team’s standard. After the mixed performance against Senegal, the current coach seemed completely overwhelmed by events during the press conference.
Song overwhelmed by events
The coach, who announced before the clash against Senegal that Cameroon’s unbeaten streak would continue and that his country remained a strong team, completely changed his tune. “Today, I think I said it. We have a young team. It must be acknowledged that today is no longer like the past years. It must be recognized, and now we are rebuilding a team for the future. Give us some more time. Maybe I will leave, but whoever comes next will have to find something and continue,” said the Cameroonian coach. A confession of weakness that did not sit well with Samuel Eto’o.
Cameroon remains one of the big names in African football, and with all the talent it possesses, it is surprising to see that the national team cannot produce quality football. Since the beginning of AFCON 2023, Rigobert Song has stood out for tactical and personnel choices that many do not understand. Among the former national team players, opinions are almost unanimous: everything needs to be rebuilt with a new coach.
Achille Emana’s appeal
Former midfielder and Song’s former teammate, Achille Emana, strongly stated after the frustrating draw against Guinea, “From my point of view, everything needs to be reviewed in this team. It is unacceptable for the striker to end up on the right flank. We know Toko Ekambi well. He can easily dribble on both the right and left sides. For Magri to succeed in scoring, he was in the center. He is a center-forward at Toulouse. He doesn’t play on the side. We crossed, but there was no one in the box,” Emana said on CRTV.
With the latest information, it seems that Samuel Eto’o has recognized the seriousness of the situation to raise his tone. A few days before the decisive third match against Gambia, it is unlikely that Song will be ousted. If he fails to qualify Cameroon for the knockout stages, the final verdict will undoubtedly be imminent.
What are your thoughts on the situation in Cameroon?
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