World – After Brazil – Cameroon (0-1) – The bitter feat of the Indomitable Lions: “It’s a pity it ends there”

They were probably the only ones who believed it. But the always indomitable Lions were right. Were they proud of having already beaten Brazil, at the 2000 Olympics or at the Confederations Cup? They did it again this Friday in Qatar (1-0) and they owe it to their captain Vincent Aboubakar, who scored the only goal of the game. Unfortunately for Cameroon, this result will be more historical than useful, as Switzerland won their “final” in Serbia (3-2) to secure their ticket to the knockout stage. If regrets are inevitable for Rigobert Song’s band, after the match the pride of having beaten one of the favorites of the competition prevailed.

“I think we have to underline the collective mood, I made a short speech to tell my comrades that we could do it. I looked at the time and saw that it was the 80th minute, so I told myself that I really have to be focused, play for placement, continue. When I saw my partner go wide, I anticipated starting at the near post, the defender anticipated, I came back and scored“, greeted a smiling Aboubakar on the microphone of beIN Sports.

Coming on as a substitute in his first two games, the Saudi Arabian Al-Nassr forward bit the bit, knowing he was being held back by a weak knee. As a grand old listener, he accepted his understudy status without batting an eye as the tournament began. But his moment came with a memorable goal, with a splendid header (90° + 2), which stunned Brazil and also caused their exclusion. The former Porto striker, top scorer at home in the 2022 African Cup of Nations (eight goals), ran towards the corner post, taking off his shirt, drunk with joy. The referee was forced to give him a second yellow, synonymous with red, and Cameroon finished without him.

“A Bitter Victory”

“It’s a good victory and the qualification didn’t depend on us, we can talk about a bitter successhe confessed. It’s a shame (…) It’s been years since Cameroon has won a single match at the World Cup. I am sure that future generations will be better“The one that his companions call “Capi” (captain), band or not, however he wants his companions”keep your head up” after this performance that enters, qualification or not, in the history of the Cameroonian selection. “I play for Cameroon, I defend the country’s colours. The important thing is to convey emotions to the Cameroonians“he said a few days ago. Here’s what’s done.

“We can be proud of what we did tonight, we proved that we too are a great team, united and combative, but not onlyDevis Epassy followed suit, initially as a replacement for André Onana, who was excluded from the group before the second match. Unfortunately we’re not going to the round of 16, that’s what makes us sad, but it’s not tonight that we should have any regrets about it. I started the selection a year ago and nobody knew me in Cameroon. We know the Cameroonians, they talk a lot when they don’t know… But I also received many messages of support from them and I thank them for that.”

Obviously disappointed, Rigobert Song still wanted to congratulate his players. Or rather the of him “true warriors“.”We were gaining momentum, I’m sure we are gaining experience, the Cameroonian coach admitted to beIN Sports. The regrets are for the first match (against Switzerland, ed) and for the opportunities we had. But I’m proud of my players, they are real warriors. Let’s take this disappointment that will allow us to grow.” And to promise a bright future to the Indomitable Lions?

“It’s a new generation on the risereplied Song. Players must have a competitive spirit. Today they showed it. I am proud of them. We leave with some regret, because we think we could have done better. I’m sure the fans won’t be disappointed and I want to congratulate them (…) It’s historic, we are one of the African countries that have often participated in the World Cup, and to see Cameroon beat Brazil… My players are to be congratulated. They have shown that they can do better. It’s a shame we stop here, but we need to keep it positive.”

Finally, this historic victory ends two streaks that ran both sides: a nine-game winless streak for the unceremoniously sent Indomitable Lions since 1994, and a 17-game unbeaten streak for Brazil in the first round.

(with AFP)