Cameroon head coach Rigober Song has admitted that Senegal are better and stronger than the Indomitable Lions after their 3-1 loss in a Group C game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Song’s men remain winless in Ivory Coast after playing two matches and they are now third in the table with just a point.
Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diallo and Sadio Mane powered the reigning African champions to victory as Jean-Charles Castelletto grabbed a consolation for Cameroon late in the game.
At the end of the match, the 47-year-old manager took responsibility for his Cameroon’s defeat and highlighted the difference between the two Lions (Teranga Lions and Indomitable Lions).
Song told the media via CAF Online: “When there is a defeat, we must bear responsibility, and therefore we must admit that Senegal was better than us in the match.
“Senegal was stronger than us. Their players were in their places on the field. They deserved their victory. For our part, we have young players in the national team, and they are at the beginning of their experience.
“What did not go well? I think that the players did everything they could during the match, and small details made the difference in the match. We admit that the competitor was better than us.”
Cameroon’s next fixture will be against the Gambia on Tuesday, and Song is confident of his team’s chances of making it to the knockout phase of the competition as one of the best losers.
“I am always optimistic. As long as there is a final match, there are no calculations to make. The next match will be a final for us, and I know that we will qualify for the second round,” he added.
