Cameroon’s coach Serge Mimpo has rued the team’s frailties infront of goal as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mali in their opening match at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Annaba on Thursday.
The defending champions had several good chances to score against the Malians, but two late goals handed them a rude start to the tourney.
“This is the first time that we have been so clumsy infront of goal, especially for our top scorer (Dorinel Yondjo). He has always been skillful and clinical in dangerous areas. But it can happen, this is football, but it does not have to repeat itself,” the tactician said.
The defeat leaves Cameroon in a must win situation against Burkina Faso in their final group match, to avoid an early elimination.
A win will aid them into the quarterfinals as the second placed team. With a -2 goal difference, even a draw will be detrimental to their dreams.
“We will play a simple game against Burkina Faso and try to correct most of the errors we had against Mali. We will talk to the players and shake off this defeat and give them the courage to face the next game on Sunday,” said the coach.
He remains optimistic that if they can correct some areas of weakness from their performance, they stand a good chance to down the Burkinabe.