Cameroon head coach David Pagou has offered a detailed assessment of the Indomitable Lions’ exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a high-intensity quarter-final defeat against Morocco. The tournament hosts utilized their home advantage at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday night to secure a 2-0 victory, effectively ending Cameroon’s pursuit of a sixth continental title.
Morocco established an early lead through a 26th-minute strike from Brahim Diaz, before Ismael Saibari doubled the advantage in the second half to solidify the Atlas Lions’ place in the final four.
Pagou observed the technical dominance of the Moroccan side during the opening period but praised his players for their improved composure and tactical adjustments after the interval. Despite creating several promising opportunities to equalize in the second half, Cameroon struggled to bypass a disciplined Moroccan defense that has remained nearly impenetrable throughout the competition. The head coach highlighted that the timing of Morocco’s second goal significantly altered the momentum, as it effectively neutralized the Indomitable Lions’ mounting pressure just as they seemed poised to stage a comeback.
“I’m proud of my players. We competed well against Morocco, and we leave the AFCON with our heads held high,” Pagou said during his post-match briefing.
The Cameroonian tactician refused to dwell on the disappointment of the result, instead emphasizing the growth and competitive spirit his squad displayed against one of the world’s top-ranked teams. He noted that while certain defensive lapses proved costly in a match of such high stakes, the overall performance reflected the team’s commitment to the national cause. Pagou believes that the experience gained in Morocco will serve as a vital foundation for the squad’s upcoming World Cup qualification fixtures later this year.
“We faced some difficulties, but we came back well in the second-half, but the second goal we conceded decided the match,” he admitted. “Overall, I am satisfied with the performance,” he concluded.
Morocco now advances to a semi-final showdown in Rabat, where they await the winner of today’s quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria. For Cameroon, the tournament ends with a record of two wins, one draw, and two defeats across five matches. While the five-time champions fall short of the semi-finals, Pagou remains optimistic that the emergence of young talents during this campaign ensures a bright future for Cameroonian football on the international stage.
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