By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Washira Helene
Published on 2024-01-31 17:34:10
Cameroon’s disappointing showing at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has led to widespread criticism, with Coach Rigobert Song bearing the brunt of the blame. However, attributing the team’s early exit solely to the coach would be oversimplifying the situation and neglecting the broader complexities at play.
Rigobert’s lack of experience as head coach has been heavily criticized, particularly his defensive-minded approach that stifled creativity and led to a disjointed style of play. There are also questions about his player selection, including the decision to omit seasoned veterans like Choupo-Moting and Fai Collins from the tournament squad, whose leadership and experience could have been valuable.
However, a closer look at Rigobert’s record reveals a mixed bag of results, with six wins, nine losses, and eight draws in twenty-three games. This raises the question of whether poor coaching was the sole reason for the team’s performance or if there were other external factors at play.
Blaming only the coach overlooks the lackluster performance of the players, who often appeared timid and uninspired, lacking the determination that once characterized the team. The absence of a cohesive team spirit was evident, and individual moments of brilliance could not mask the overall sluggishness and tactical errors.
While the absence of veterans is lamented, it’s also important to assess whether the chosen players were truly ready for the challenge, as their performances were not stellar when given the opportunity.
In conclusion, the disappointment at AFCON demands a broader analysis that considers both coaching strategies and player commitment. Cameroon needs to introspect and address these issues in order for the team to reclaim its position as African football giants.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
