AFCON 2023: Rigobert Song reflects on difficult opening encounter

The head coach of Cameroon’s senior men’s national team, Rigobert Song reflected on his team’s 1-1 draw with Guinea in their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.

The Indomitable Lions had to come from a goal down in the Group C tie after Mohamed Bayo had given the Syli National the lead in the tenth minute.

The numerical advantage after a red card to Guinea’s Francois Kamano counted for something in the second period of the match.

Frank Magri headed Cameroon’s equalizer in the 51st minute to ensure a 1- draw, a scenario Song saw as a tough one.

“The start of the match was difficult for us, especially in the first 30 minutes. You know how it has been at the start of this tournament; it has always been difficult. We saw how some teams started this tournament.” Song told journalists after the match.

The former Cameroonian player added that they controlled the game but couldn’t pick all the points.

“We controlled the flow of the match, but we were not able to score the second goal of the match to take the victory, I hope to do it in the next match.”

The Cameroonian coach explained that he would correct the mistakes his players made during the clash with Guinea, before their next game which will be against Senegal.

“We all saw the match, there is a positive part.

“We will correct the mistakes, and in the next four days the players will know their mission.”

Senegal tops Group C with three points ahead of Cameroon and Guinea both with a point while Gambia is yet to register a point after a game.