Cameroon: David Pagou takes the positives after victory over Comoros

24.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Cameroon

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Comoros

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Cameroon launched its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a victory over Comoros (3-1). After the match, David Pagou acknowledged that the performance could still be improved, while highlighting his team’s efficiency at key moments.

“It was laborious; it was the national team’s first day back at school,” the Cameroon coach admitted at a press conference.

According to him, the players were still “a little jaded”, but the Indomitable Lions managed to secure what mattered most.

Pagou was particularly pleased with his team’s attacking efficiency.

“The most important thing for us was to score goals. We scored,” he explained.

With only four days before the next fixture, the coach now wants to prepare for what lies ahead without disrupting his approach.

Mbeumo urged to take responsibility

Bryan Mbeumo also featured prominently in Pagou’s comments. The coach regards the forward as “a top-level player” and “our playmaker”. He had asked him to take on more responsibility on the pitch.

Mbeumo responded on the pitch with a goal in the victory. Pagou particularly emphasized his work rate and the role he had assigned him in the team’s attacking play.

Nsongo Bil and Tchamadeu make their contribution

The coach also highlighted the impact of his substitutes. Introduced during the match, Nsongo Bil and Tchamadeu each provided an assist.

“The substitutes came on and had an impact,” Pagou noted.

Their contribution gives Cameroon several options as the team already prepares to play again.

The coach also identified one area to correct: set pieces. Comoros reduced the deficit from such a situation, a goal that reminded the Cameroon staff of the importance of defensive concentration.

“Football is played in phases. And you have to stay alert both with and without the ball,” Pagou stressed.

Kofane substituted as a precaution

Christian Kofane did not play the second half. The forward felt pain in his thigh, and the staff preferred not to take any risks.

“He was holding his thigh; he felt a slight twinge, and we didn’t want to take any risks,” Pagou explained.

Cameroon will now turn its attention to its next match in Congo. With four days to prepare for the encounter, Pagou intends to maintain continuity in his work:

“We will travel, we will go to Congo, arrive there, and face things head-on.”

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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