Aboubakar apologizes for Indomitable Lions’ poor AFCON performance

By Tata Mbunwe

Indomitable Lions’ captain Vincent Aboubakar has tendered an apology to Cameroonians for the team’s disappointing performance at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations where they won just one out of four games.

The Lions got eliminated at the knockouts, conceding 2-0 from the Super Eagles of Nigeria. They had no shots on target in the game.

This was after they narrowly beat underdogs Gambia 3-2 in their last group stage game to qualify for the round of 16.

Aboubakar, who was benched throughout the group stage, said their output fell short of keeping Cameroon in the continental showdown.

“Me and my teammates gave it our all but it wasn’t enough,” the forward said on Instagram.

“We offer our sincere apologies to the people of Cameroon that we have disappointed. We give you a date on the next matches of the Indomitable Lions. Let’s go Lions!!” he added.

He only played for 20 minutes during the tournament. He came in as a second-half substitute during the game against Nigeria, but failed to create any notable impact.

He was also absent from the Indomitable Lions’ first group game against Guinea, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Having sustained a thigh injury on the eve of the game, Vincent Aboubakar proceeded to miss two proceeding games against Senegal and Gambia.

Aboubakar’s presence, fans had argued, could have been significant for the Lions. The Besikitas forward emerged top goal scorer at the previous AFCON tournament hosted by Cameroon.

Although Cameroon got eliminated at the quarter finals, Aboubakar definitely made himself and his country proud.

But the team’s recent performance has sparked outrage among Cameroonians, with many calling for the resignation of Coach Rigobert Song.

While some blamed Song, the former Indomitable Lions defender, for taking a squad of amateur players to the AFCON, others blamed the players for showing very little passion during the games.

In the knock out game against Nigeria, the Indomitable Lions had no shot on target, coupled with a weak and inexperienced defence line.

Mimi Mefo Info