Cameroon coach Song responds to Embolo mute celebration

Cameroon coach Rigobert Song has responded to Switzerland striker Breel Embolo’s mute celebration following the Indomitable Lions’ narrow one nil loss in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener in Qatar on Thursday.

Embolo, born in Cameroon, scored the only goal of the match in the 48th minute thanks to an assist by Xherdan Shaqiri.

However, the Monaco star Embolo chose not to celebrate his goal as a sign of respect to his fellow countrymen.

“We are all proud of our country, you saw he didn’t celebrate his goal. But again this [players representing other countries] is part and parcel of football,” said Song in his post match conference.

“I wanted to congratulate him, it’s fair play. Because we are from the same family [country] but on different teams, it doesn’t mean we are not going to be on good terms.

“He had a good game, I wanted to tell him. I’m not going to be a sore loser, we’re still brothers at the end of the day.”

Song further revealed that he would have loved Embolo to play for the Indomitable Lions.

“Yes [I would have preferred] but that’s the nature of the game,” added Song.

“I’m happy for him and proud of him because he’s playing for the Switzerland team. Yes, I’d have liked him on my side, but that’s not the way it went. That’s just the way of life.

For Cameroon it’s back to the drawing board after the defeat in their World Cup opener.

The West African side will take on Serbia on Monday, aiming to grab the maximum points.

Failure to be victorious will reduce Cameroon’s chances of qualifying for the round of 16 in Qatar.

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