Cameroon Coach Reacts As Indomitable Lions Miss Three Penalties in AFCON Semifinal Loss to Egypt

Cameroon Coach Reacts As Indomitable Lions Miss Three Penalties in AFCON Semifinal Loss to Egypt

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:55 PM
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  • Cameroon vs Egypt continues to garner reactions from different quarters as coach of the Indomitable Lions has finally spoken
  • The hosts missed three penalty kicks during the shootout as the Pharaohs of Egypt book a place in the final of the tournament
  • Coach Conceicao has thrown his weight of support behind his players, saying any footballer could miss a penalty

Coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon Antonio Conceicao has expressed disappointment at their loss to Egypt, but admitted that anyone could miss a penalty kick, Kingfut reports.

Conceicao saw his players blow their spot-kicks as the Pharaohs of Egypt won 3-1 to proceed to the final of the tournament, setting up a mouthwatering fixture with Senegal.

The home team have themselves to blame in the penalty shootout as only captain Vincent Aboubakar scored his penalty.

Antonio Conceicao
Cameroon vs Egypt leaves coach Antonio Conceicao disappointed. Photo: Kenzo Tribouillard
Source: Getty Images

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.

And after the game, Conceicao told a post-match conference via Complete Sports:

“We won’t be a side playing the final. Like 27 million Cameroonians, we are sad, but this is football.
“The game was close, but the players were exhausted in the second half.
“We practiced for penalty kicks, but in the end, everybody could miss. The players are only human after all.”

Vincent Aboubakar blames teammates

Meanwhile, Vincent Aboubakar has lambasted his fellow teammates for Cameroon’s AFCON exit against seven-time champions Egypt.

Aboubakar accused his teammates of playing selfish football which he says is the reason for Cameroon’s elimination.

“It’s a big disappointment. 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.”

Mo Salah furious with match referee

Sports Brief earlier reported that Mohammed Salah was engaged in a heated argument with the referee during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against Cameroon on Thursday, February 3.

Cameroon’s poor penalties meant Mo Salah did not need to kick a ball to ensure his side proceeded to the final.

Despite Salah venting in some serious anger, the ref, alongside two of his officials usher the Egyptian away in scenes that are simply interesting to watch.

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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