Expert opinion: "Cameroon only has itself to blame"

Held to a draw by Eswatini (0-0) during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Cameroon missed the chance to widen the gap at the top of their group. François Ngoumou, Cameroonian coach and sports consultant, points to the organizational shortcomings that have hindered the Indomitable Lions.

François Ngoumou, Cameroonian coach and sports consultant, delivered his no-holds-barred analysis:

This was to be expected given the context. The players arrive in Cameroon on Monday, leave for South Africa on Tuesday. No time to train, no time to rest. This draw isn't so bad, but we only have ourselves to blame.

For him, the lack of preparation penalized Cameroon against an opponent who, although modest, was in better physical condition:

Eswatini was physically fresh, they defended tooth and nail not to concede and looked to surprise us on the counter. We lacked the freshness to break through their block.

But beyond the field, François Ngoumou points to a persistent issue in the management of national teams:

We must do everything to ensure these logistical and organizational problems, which have always been Cameroon’s Achilles' heel in various competitions, disappear for good. We have talent, but also the managerial and administrative skills to prevent this.

Now, victory at home against Libya in five days becomes imperative.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr