Cameroon and Gambia fight for lifeline at 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Cameroon on Tuesday continue the list of teetering big guns such as Egypt and Ghana fighting for the chance to continue at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Former Cameroon international Rigobert Song needs his Cameroon side to beat Gambia to procure a chance of reaching the last-16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. © ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations hosts take on Gambia knowing that only a win will put them in a position to progress to the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams should Guinea fashion a result against Senegal on Tuesday evening in Yamoussoukro.

“We know it won’t be easy to do,” said Cameroon boss Rigobert Song.

“For Cameroon, we are trying to restructure our team. There are some people who were part of the previous team and are still here so we are always at the learning phase whatever the situation.”

Cameroon drew their first game against Guinea 1-1 and then fell 3-1 to a more clinical Senegal side in their second Group C tie on 19 January at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.

The final game in the pool, which will take place at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, has stakes too for Gambia. A win will carve out the possibility of a slot in the last-16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Drive

“Cameroon is very motivated and wants to win the match as well,” said Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet.

“I don’t remember Gambia beating Cameroon before but the most important thing for us is the three points.”

Failure to advance to the second phase following a run to the third place in 2021 would seriously undermine Song’s prospects of remaining in post as head coach.

The 47-year-old former international skipper took over in February 2022 from Toni Conceição just after the delayed 2021 Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Song led the side at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where they were unable to emerge from the group stages.

“This is an important game against Gambia and we are ready for it,” added Song.

“We absolutely need our three points to help us progress to the knockout stage. It's true that we do commit errors and the fact that you are not winning means there is something lacking which you have to learn.”

Defending champions Senegal advanced to the knockout stages following the victory over Cameroon.

Aliou Cissé’s side will confirm top spot and a last-16 rendez-vous with one of the teams who finished third with at least a draw in Yamoussoukro against Guinea who will also advance to the last-16 with a point. A win would secure them the pool.