in the middle of a storm, Song defends Toko-Ekambi

Ghostly in attack Friday during the Cameroon wins 3-0 at home
against Mauritius, for the first day of World Cup qualifiers
2026, Karl Toko-Ekambi can still count on the support of
coach Rigobert Song in the face of criticism.

Transparent against the Dodos, Karl Toko-Ekambi was released at
20 minutes from time by Rigobert Song instead of
Georges-Kévin Nkoudou (70^e) while the Lions
Indomitables pushed for cover after the opening
of the score by Bryan Mbeumo at the end of the first period
(45^e+2). Coaching ultimately paid off, since the winger
of Damac FC in Saudi Arabia later delivered the stadium
Japoma by scoring the break goal three minutes from the end of the
regulation time (2-0, 87^e). A completed victory
in stoppage time by another returner, Frank Magri
(3-0, 90^e+ 2).

“He makes us play 10 against 11”

At the end of this success acquired by forceps, Toko-Ekambi did not
escaped criticism. The resident of Abha Club was notably
loaded by journalist Alain Denis Ikoul. " I don't know
for you, but I have the feeling more and more that Toko-Ekambi has
changed profession since the victory of Blida. He is totally in
something other than football. The guy no longer has any output
real on the ground, but he definitely has an attitude
untouchable. Offensively, even a block, he no longer succeeds in
eliminate one on one and is systematically contemptuous
towards his side on the splits. Honestly, I believe
that it is time to relaunch Clinton Njie or Kevin Nkoudou on this
side, because Toko-Ekambi makes us play 10 against 11
for a long time. Rigobert Song must take his
responsibilities from Tuesday in Benghazi against Libya »,
tackled his fellow Cameroonian.

🔴 Karl Toko Ekambi uninspired with the
Indomitable lions last night. 😔🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/XQVXMMLEh9

- GoLesLions (@AllezLesLions) November 18, 2023

Song defends Toko-Ekambi

Fortunately for him, the former
Lyonnais can always count on his coach
to defend him in front of the press. “Toko is a player
of experience and which is very important for the team and the
collective, Song told reporters after the
meet. As a former player, not everyone
days that we are in good shape. We all follow what he does at the club
(he remains on 3 goals in as many club outings, editor’s note) and at
Considering that, he deserves to be there. Maybe today he didn't
not given the best of him but for the collective, he is very
important. »

A point of view shared by some of the microcosms
Cameroonian, in particular the journalist Richard Naha who
underlines the paradox of the one who is " most
critical " in the team, despite being, according to him, the
offensive player performing "the most effort in the
defensive withdrawal ».