AFCON: Cameroon coach David Pagou excited after dispatching South Africa

Cameroon coach David Pagou revealed what inspired the national team to defeat South Africa and qualify for the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Sunday.

Goals from defender Junior Tchamadeu in the 34th minute and Christian Kofane two minutes after the restart in the second half gave Cameroon the advantage before Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for Bafana Bafana two minutes from regulation time.

Cameroon keeping positive state of mind

“We are of course excited with the result. We have had quite a hectic assignment which we have successfully completed. We are striving to improve and collectively working together in progressing the team,” Pagou said as quoted by CAF Media.

“We are keeping a positive state of mind and that is playing a key role in our team”

Cameroon player Carlos Baleba, who was named man of the match, said: “Yes, we are going to face Morocco, which is a strong side in African football. We are on a good run, and it’s up to us to keep a cool head and continue like this.

“Our mindset is very positive; we play for each other, and that is what makes our team strong.”

South Africa coach Hugo Broos, said: “That’s the way life is. Our team did not deserve to lose tonight; this is not the result we came for, but we have to acknowledge that it is what it is. We will now focus on preparing for our future objectives, with the World Cup in our sights.”

While Bafana Bafana will return to their base in Marrakech before finally heading back home to South Africa, Cameroon will shift focus to facing hosts Morocco, who defeated Tanzania 1-0 in the Round of 16.