Rigobert Song is no longer the coach of the “Indomitable Lions”, as announced by the president of the Cameroonian football federation (Fécafoot) Samuel Eto'o, Wednesday in an interview with France 24.
“We have not achieved our objectives, and our executive committee and I do not see ourselves renewing the contract,” explained the Cameroonian legend turned fierce leader.
Song is obviously the victim of a mediocre AFCON in Ivory Coast last month.
Cameroon was eliminated in the 1/8 finals of the African Cup in January by Nigeria (2-0), a future finalist of course, but at the end of a narrow qualification in the group stage.
Previously, Song's Cameroon had also barely qualified for the continental competition, only securing its ticket on the last day.
The CAN fatal to more than a third of the coaches
Appointed at the start of 2022, “Rigo” began his mandate with a miraculous qualification for the World Cup against Algeria, with a goal in the last seconds, just after an Algerian goal (0-1, 2-1 ap).
At the Qatari World Cup, Cameroon was eliminated in the first round, but came out with a prestigious victory against Brazil (1-0).
In 23 matches at the head of the Indomitable Lions, the double African champion (2000 and 2002) has only won 6 matches, 9 defeats and 8 draws.
In these conditions, it is difficult to claim to remain on the bench of the Indomitable Lions, even for Song, a living legend with notably the record of selections (137 matches).
One-on-one - Samuel Eto'o: "I am believed to intend to become head of state in Cameroon"
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Rigobert Song “brought a lot to this team”, however added Eto'o, paying “a vibrant tribute to Rigobert Song who was (his) captain in the national team”.
“Now we have to think about the future,” concluded Eto'o, who did not say more about the identity of the next coach.
The African Cup in Ivory Coast was fatal to more than a third of the coaches in office, Rigobert Song being the ninth out of 24 to leave his bench.