Egypt striker Mo Salah makes huge statement after AFCON quarter-finals qualification
FootballEmotional Scenes As Samuel Eto’o Spotted Consoling Heartbroken Camer Player After Loss to Egypt
- Samuel Eto’o was stunned following Cameroon’s loss to the Pharaohs of Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament
- The hosts were defeated in the semifinal of the tournament via penalty shootout at the famous Olembe Stadium
- Eto’o who was recently voted as the president of the Cameroon FA had to rush to the pitch to console the Indomitable Lions
Incredible scenes all over the place as hosts Cameroon were defeated by the Pharaohs of Egypt in the AFCON 2021 semi-final clash via penalty to take a step closer to the title.
Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto’o who looked tense for the entire duration of the game had to sum up the courage to console some players after the defeat.
The Egyptians needed to rely on penalties to win the encounter as the game remained goalless after 120 minutes.
Cameroon only had themselves to blame in the penalty shootout as only captain Vincent Aboubakar scored his penalty, BBC Sport reports.
Harold Moukodi’s tame effort was saved as was Léa Siliki's attempt. Clinton N'Jie stepped up for Cameroon's fourth penalty, needing to score to keep them in the game but he put his shot wide.
Egypt claimed victory 3-1 on penalties.
How Eto'o reacted
Cameras immediately captured the moment the newly elected FECAFOOT boss, Eto’o broke down as he turned his face while sitting in the stands.
Eto’o looked shocked as he expressed utmost disappointment as his side will now proceed to play in the third-place playoff match.
The former Barcelona and Chelsea forward then moved unto the pitch to console some of the players as they have now failed to win the tournament on home soil.
Aboubakar blames teammates
Speaking in his post-match press conference, tournament highest scorer Vincent Aboubakar, who has six goals, said individual play rather than collective play was their undoing.
“Cameroon organizes a CAN and is eliminated in the semi-finals. Everyone wanted to do what they want and here is the result today. When we play collectively, we do good things.”
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FootballMorocco coach vows not to beg Ziyech
Sports Brief earlier reported that Morocco’s national team coach Vahid Halilhodzic insists he will not beg winger Hakim Ziyech to come back to the side, despite the nation’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Atlas Lions were knocked out of the competition in the semi-final by Egypt, despite an initial impressive run in the group stages.
Halilhodzic did not select Ziyech for the competition after a public fallout that dates back to 2021, and this decision was thoroughly questioned after Morocco exited the competition.