Cameroon’s coach ‘speechless’ after shock defeat to Niger in Algeria

Cameroon’s coach Saidou Alioum is still in shock.

CHAN Cameroon’s coach ‘speechless’ after shock defeat to Niger in Algeria

Izuchukwu Akawor 21:01 - 25.01.2023

The Indomitable Lions were booted out of the competition at the group stages.

The  coach of the Cameroonian football team, Saidou Alison has been left speechless following his side’s shock exit from the African Nations Championship, CHAN.

Cameroon was stunned 1-0 by Niger Republic in the final match of the group stages in Group E on Tuesday night.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Soumaila Badamassi came off the bench to steal the show after scoring a stunning free kick in the second half to seal the deal for the Nigeriens.

The goal was enough to send Cameroon out of the competition and Niger through to the knockout round as Group E leaders.

Niger Republic have reached the knockout stages for the first time in 12 years.

Alioum in shock after defeat

Speaking after the game, the Cameroon boss has been left in a state of shock as he struggled to explain what happen against Niger.

Cameroon’s coach Saidou Alioum is still in shock.

According to Alioum,  the Indomitable Lions knew Niger would be a difficult nut of crack but he didn’t expect the final outcome.

We expected that this would be a difficult game,” Alioum told CAF. We have lost and are eliminated. I am speechless. We knew that we had to get a good result and now we have lost and that is it about that.”

We did everything

Cameroon dominated the Group E clash but couldn’t find a way behind the stubborn Niger defence.

According to their disappointed coach, the Indomitable Lions gave it all they had but couldn’t make it count.

Badamassi flanked by his teammates after the game.

“We tried to attack, and we failed to score. Niger defended very well,” he added.

“We tried to use both wings and sometimes, it worked but we did not make it count in front of goal. Niger got a free-kick and they scored.”

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What the result means

Following the defeat, Cameroon’s journey in Algeria came to an end in the group stages after they finished second behind Niger, who progressed to the last eight.

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