Cameroon Manager Rigobert Song silenced his critics as a last-minute Alvarez equalizer spared Mexico's Blushes against Cameroon in last night's friendly game at the Snapdragon Stadium.
Song Silences Critics as Last-Minute Equalizer Saves Mexico's Blushes Against Cameroon
A lot was made of Rigobert Song's latest list for the friendly against Mexico as questions over the Cameroon legend's suitability for the job continue. But his team's performance in their latest outing would have done the under-fire manager's cause little harm.
Despite the El Tri missing a chunk of their European contingent, the players who lined up at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego were no pushovers. Here's a team who are unbeaten under new manager Diego Cocca, winning two and drawing two, as the Central American Nation continues its rebuild after a disastrous world cup in Qatar.
The game was of little importance to the Lions, who do not play a competitive match until September 2023. Still, Rigobert Song knows every football game is taken very seriously in Cameroon, never mind a game involving the Indomitable Lions.
The El Tri, on their part, are at the start of a 5-game marathon in the next 22 days or so, which will begin on June 16th against eternal rivals, the USA. The semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League will be followed by the group stages of the CONCACAF GOLD Cup that starts on June 24th.
Therefore, this game was of prime importance, especially for players who were buzzing to make an impression as the manager made up his mind about the final list for the crucial period.
Read More: Match Report: Mexico Vs. Cameroon
The Cameroon coach was missing several key players, including Captain Vincent Aboubakar, who has been in red-hot form since rejoining Besiktas. Napoli midfielder Zambo Anguissa and Bayern ace Tchoupo Moting were also absent from the group.
The match, therefore, was an opportunity to test new players and for the old guard to state their claims for inclusion in his plans for the September showdown with Burundi.
Goals from Bryan Mbuemo and Karl Toko Ekambi were canceled out by Isreal Reyes and Kevin Alvarez at the death, which meant that the Lions are without a win in their last 3 games, but the performance of his charges is something the manager would be proud of.
The Mexicans had more of the ball, but the Lions were competitive in almost every area of the pitch, registering 8 attempts at goal with 2 goals from their three shots on target.
In fact, the performances of Olivier Kemen and Olivier Ntcham in midfield were encouraging, while Kunde Malong, combative from start to finish, had a game to remember.
Karl Toko Ekambi and Bryan Mbuemo kept Mexico on their toes, and although Noumi Ngamaleu could have done better with his shot in the second half, he was lively for the most part.
Debutants like Enzo Tchato and Oumar Gonzalez had solid performances, the former heavily involved in many of Cameroon's attacking plays. There was even time for a cameo by Chelsea's under-21 prospect Ben Elliott.
In the end, it was a satisfactory outing, and even though this Cameroon team can do better, the calls for the manager's axing will be somewhat silenced, at least for now.
Also Read: How to Become a Licensed FIFA Football Agent in Cameroon & Abroad