By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The premature exit of the Lions from the ongoing TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire has left fans and supporters of the Cameroon national football team searching for answers. The question of who should shoulder the blame has become a million-dollar question on the lips of many.
As the Lions made their way to Cote D’Ivoire, there was an air of anticipation and excitement among fans. Many believed that this journey would mirror the historic 1984 expedition that saw Cameroon lift their first continental trophy. The Lions were considered one of the favorites to win the sixth continental title. However, their dreams were shattered when their journey was abruptly halted in the second round of the competition.
The Lions’ performance throughout the tournament was met with disappointment and disbelief. They seemed to lack the conviction and drive that had once characterized their style of play. It appeared as if they were forced to defend the colors of their country rather than playing with the passion and inspiration that had made them feared opponents in the past. Instead of taking control of the games, they found themselves pushed to the edge, barely escaping an early first-round exit.
Since eliminated, their disappointing display has continually raised concerns about the state of affairs within the lion’s den. The team’s fighting spirit, which had become their trademark, seemed to have waned in recent times. Their games lacked the intensity and dynamism that fans had come to expect. The Lions appeared passive and reactive, only responding when pushed against the wall.
However, rumors that had circulated within the Lions’ camp shed some light on the possible sources of discontent. It was rumored that many players were unhappy with the overall atmosphere surrounding the team. While the validity of these rumors remains uncertain, they serve as a reflection of the dissatisfaction felt by fans and the general public especially as the city of Yaounde and others remained completely silent after their defeat. Consequently, blame has been directed towards the coach and the president of Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT for the team’s underwhelming performance.
Regardless of the accuracy of these rumors, there are important lessons to be learned from this experience. The team’s lineup and formation should be carefully evaluated, as they seemed to lack cohesion and effectiveness during the tournament. Player selection and motivation should also be thoroughly examined to ensure that the best possible squad is assembled for future competitions.
Looking ahead to the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, it is crucial that these errors are addressed and rectified promptly. The Lions must regain their fighting spirit and return to their winning ways. Additionally, greater emphasis should be placed on grassroots football development, as it provides a solid foundation for the country’s football future.
Nevertheless, the premature exit of the Lions from AFCON has left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans and supporters. While assigning blame may be difficult, it is clear that improvements need to be made in various aspects of the team’s performance. By addressing these issues, Cameroon can aim to reclaim their status as a dominant force in African football and strive for success in future tournaments.