CHAN Morocco 2018: Cameroon falls to Congo 0-1 in group D opener

The intermediate indomitable lions of Cameroon were beaten by the red devils of Congo in the opening group D match of the CHAN 2018, played in Agadir Morocco on Tuesday 16th January 2018.

The lone goal was scored on penalty at the 72nd minute by Makiesse after goalkeeper Kalati of Cameroon seemingly brought down a Congolese forward while clearing the ball off his feet.

At the post match interview, head coach Rigobert Song expressed his disappointment as his boys were tensed at the beginning of the encounter but freed themselves later, though unable to be efficient all through the game.

“I’m here to share my experience, but for the majority of players, it’s their first international experience. In the first minutes, we were tensed, and after we freed ourselves, we could play better. There is much potential in the group but we must be efficient. The next games are coming, we have to go beyond what we did today “

Concerning the action that led to the penalty and subsequent goal, Song doesn’t lay blame on the referee but looks at the defensive error committed before the goal action.

“For the penalty, I’m not better placed to discuss it at the moment. The referee played his role. The problem is how the ball gets there. We have to accept certain things, it’s part of the game. We have to reinvigorate ourselves to avoid finding ourselves in such situations again. “

Talking of the congolese side, Song affirmed they were efficient as the rare goal opportunity they had,was transformed into a goal.

Gastono, the Congolese coach admits the teams were equal but they were luckier.

The intermediate indomitable lions of Cameroon face Angola while Congo faces Burkina Faso on Saturday 20th January 2018.

Congo leads group D with 3 points, Burkina Faso and Angola follow suit with 1 point each and Cameroon tales the group with 0 points.