It was not – yet – the time for polemics, criticism or tears but the time for remobilization and thanks. A few minutes after the elimination of Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations against the host country of Morocco (2-0), Friday January 9, Samuel Eto’o came to meet his players in their locker room to congratulate them and comfort them.
The usually impetuous president of the Cameroonian football federation, accustomed to making shocking declarations, this time preferred the velvet glove to the iron fist. “Seeing you sad, I have tears in my eyes but I will make the effort not to cry guys…”, begins the former Barcelona striker in a long video posted on social networks.
“I want to tell you to be proud of yourselves, of what you did during this competition,” continues the manager, standing in the locker room in front of an audience under the influence of elimination. You should be proud! Especially the guys, there are a lot of emotions, a lot of things have happened but we remain dignified like Cameroonians, let’s not make sensational declarations. We remain dignified like Cameroonian boys. »
A reference to a contentious refereeing decision which could have changed the course of the match and caused controversy. In the 68th minute, Morocco still only led 1-0 when Bryan Mbeumo appeared in the Moroccan penalty area. Hit on the foot by Masina, he collapsed in the area, but the referee did not flinch. At slow motion, the contact seems clear…
But Eto’o, although fond of controversies, wishes to evacuate the subject and only remember the encouraging performance of the players. “Well done to you! I hope that you remain the friends that you are, insists the legend of Cameroonian sport. Our first strength is you, it’s your group, I want you to remain this group. Personally I say a big thank you (he repeats twice) ! I know that millions of Cameroonians are proud of you. »
“We’re going to take our revenge!” »
He also praised the work and “very good mission” of coach David Pagou, whom he had appointed just a few weeks ago in place of Marc Brys, with whom he was in conflict. A decision experienced differently by the supporters…
Above all, Eto’o wanted to look forward to the future. If the Indomitable Lions are not qualified for the 2026 World Cup, he is very ambitious for the next edition of the CAN which will take place in 2027. “The next CAN, we are coming to win it! Listen up boys and start preparing today: we’re going to get our revenge! »
“We saw a team of men and a team of Cameroonians,” he says as he greets his players one by one on the video. It’s a new start, we will be expected and we will do no less than what we showed during this CAN. We won’t do any less guys! Be proud of yourself. Yes it’s a sad moment but that’s how football is. We are all disappointed, we all wanted to go a little further, that’s how football is. We accept it, stay worthy boys! No statement, I repeat no statement. »
