Afcon 2023: Cameroon learning from mistakes

Cameroon coach Rigobert Song has said they are learning from their mistakes following their exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the last-16 on Saturday, with the Indomitable Lions failing to get a single shot on goal during the entire contest – as they looked a shadow of the side that last lifted the trophy in 2017.

Song, who benched Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for the second consecutive match, said the loss in Bouake showed where they currently stand.

“Yes, I’m learning from it. I’d say we still need to improve, we need to keep working, and we also need players who are capable of rising to the occasion,” Song reflected.

“Right now we’re making do with what we’ve got. I’m not questioning the talent of the players I have got, but some of them are just discovering this competition and I think it’s by making mistakes that you grow.

“Nigeria had a very fine team, but we gave them the opportunity ourselves – and that’s what hurts the most.”

Napoli midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who helped the Indomitable Lions win Nations Cup bronze on home soil two years ago, said he was “disappointed, annoyed, and very frustrated” – but accepted that this defeat would help the less experienced players grow.

“In these kinds of matches, details make the difference,” he added. “It’s a young group that made a few mistakes, but I hope they’ll come out of it stronger.

“For many of them, it was their first Africa Cup of Nations and I’m happy to have spent it with them. I wish our team a lot of courage.

“Above all, I’d ask them not to give up because it’s always a pleasure to play in these kinds of competitions.

“These days, when you come to play, you come to win, but that’s not always the case. We don’t win, but I hope they come out of it stronger.”