Cameroon coach David Pagou says his side’s rebuilding process is progressing well after they went unbeaten in three matches during the international break, including the opening two rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Lions Indomptables began their qualifying campaign with a victory over Comoros before drawing with Congo. They then recorded a notable friendly win against Cote d’Ivoire at Ebimpe on Saturday.
The results gave Cameroon two wins and one draw from three matches, a run that satisfied Pagou as he continues to develop the team.
Pagou believes the message delivered to the players has helped establish the right mentality. He said the team had been told their work was part of an ongoing process rather than a finished project.
“We told them that we are continuing along the same path,” he said.
“We are consolidating this team. At a press conference, a journalist asked whether we would finally see Cameroon’s first-choice XI. After nine matches, and a 10th today, I made it clear that we are no longer working with that idea of a fixed starting XI. We are continuing to build the team.”
The coach said the preparations for the match against Cote d’Ivoire had taken place in positive conditions, with the squad welcomed well and able to train on a good pitch.
“We told the players: if we defend well, we will not concede,” he added. “It is true that Cote d’Ivoire had chances, but as I told them, when we are well organised defensively, there is always a foot, a hand, a head or a body to stop the ball from going in.
“I believe they followed the instructions well and produced the performance we wanted.”
