Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song says he and his players want to rewrite history at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023 and win the title like the previous generation did in 1984, when it was hosted in Cote d’Ivoire.
The former Cameroonian international, double African champion in 2000 and 2002, explained that there is a history between Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire ahead of their match against Guinea this Monday at the Charles Konan Banny stadium at 17h00 GMT.
“There is a history between Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire. We were heroes in 1984, and I think we should not forget the history. We are a family. We won our first title in here and that’s why we visited the grave of the first president of Cote d’Ivoire when we came here.”
The Cameroonian coach continued: “Our goal is to go far in the competition, and why not repeat history and repeat the feat of 1984, we did not come just to participate.”
The Cameroonian coach also spoke about his team's first match in the competition against Guinea.
“The first matches in such competitions are very important, we will be ready. All teams that will participate in the competition come with certain goals. Guinea is a good team, and we also know who we are going to face, and we will give everything we have”.
On the quality of the Guinean opposition, Song said: “They are a good opponent. When we talk about football there are positives and negatives, and as they qualified for the final tournament and they are here, they deserve it ".
The Cameroonian coach regrets the loss of the services of his captain, Aboubacar Vincent, who suffered an injury upon his arrival in Cote d’Ivoire.
“The absence of Aboubakar is a loss because he is a leader and has shown his ability for years. The other players are ready.”