Cameroon have reacted to their round of 16 exit at the Africa Cup by allowing Rigobert Song’s contract to expire. He joins a long list of national coaches who have lost their jobs as a result of the tournament on the African continent
A third of the coaches who were still in office at the start of the Africa Cup are no longer in their positions. Following the resignations or dismissals of the national coaches of Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Algeria, Gambia, Ghana, Tanzania and Tunisia, the Cameroon Football Association (Fecafoot) allowed coach Rigobert Song’s contract to expire on February 28.
In the press release, the federation thanked “Song and his assistants for their commitment to the nation”. In an interview with France 24, association president Samuel Eto’o provided the reasons for the departure of his former national team colleague: “He has contributed a lot to this team, but the laws of soccer are what they are. We haven’t achieved our goals and our executive committee and I don’t see any possibility of extending his contract,” said the 42-year-old.
About a month ago, Cameroon were defeated 2-0 by finalists Nigeria in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup. Despite advancing to the knockout round, the “Indomitable Lions” had not really impressed in the group stage. They only secured second place in Group C behind Senegal thanks to a last-minute win (3:2) against Gambia, who had no points and were still goalless before the match.
“Details of the recruitment process” will follow in the coming days
In general, the Cameroonians were hardly able to celebrate any victories in the two-year term of Songs: just six in 23 games (nine defeats, eight draws). Arguably their greatest success came in Qatar 2022, when Cameroon beat Brazil 1-0 – although the Seleçao had already reached the round of 16 and rested almost their entire starting eleven.
It is not yet known who will take over from Song. Fecafoot will announce “details of the recruitment process” in the coming days.
