AFCON 2025: Mbeumo and what Cameroon players said after Morocco defeat

Africa Top Sports compiles with what Cameroon players said after losing 2-0 to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Friday.

Bryan Mbeumo reacts to his non-whistle penalty: “During the game, I felt like he touched me. After the match, they showed me the images again, it’s very blatant. After this match, I’m not sure if he’s only playing on this. Unfortunately, in the first half we went a little off the game and I think that’s one of the only regrets we can have tonight because the second half for me was dominant aside from the goal they scored. Afterwards, it’s a fact of the game and we also knew what to expect.”

Carlos Baleba after elimination against Morocco: “I think if the referee could have whistle the penalty, the game would have taken a different turn but he didn’t whistle. If VAR couldn’t see, we’re not going to blame something about this because it’s a football match. They won 2-0 on free kick and we are eliminated. The group is disappointed but there is a lot of positives because we had a very nice course. Many of us had our first CAN. For the next deadlines, we’re going to fix what didn’t work.”

Che Malone: “It’s the reality of football. You either win or lose. Today, winning was not on our side. We lost and the only thing we can do is to take the lessons of this from this stage.”

Nouhou Tolo: “I think we missed a bit of baraka, because it’s a team [Morocco] that didn’t really influence the game. They score on a stopped kick… hats off to them. Honestly, no one expected us in this AFCON. The most important thing for us was to put a smile on the face of the Cameroonian people. I got so many messages even from my family, it’s a young team, with a week of preparation, no excuse, but I’m convinced we have a bright future.”

Christian Kofane: “As I said every day, I was there to enjoy. I won from experience. I helped the nation the best I could, and I hope that wherever they are, they are proud of us.”

Devis Epassy: “We’re disappointed after a match like that. We’re eliminated. We’re going back home. We’re only going to hold on to the positive.”

Danny Namaso: “We’re disappointed, it’s normal. We wanted to go further in the competition.”