Webo predicts bright future for Cameroon despite Egypt loss

Real Mallorca striker Achille Webo has said he foresees a bright and exciting future for Cameroon after a gutsy display by several upcoming players against defending champions Egypt in a Nations Cup quarter-final here on Monday.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon fell 3-1 to Egypt, but Webo said several younger players, who were picked ahead of their more experienced teammates, showed that they could soon take over the mantle of the national team.

“The younger players in the team have shown that they are capable of taking over from the older generation. They proved they can live with the best,” said Webo, who came on a second half substitute in what was a rematch of the 2008 final of the Nations Cup in Ghana.

“There was nothing to be ashamed by this defeat, but rather we saw several younger players really push Egypt very hard till extra-time when a couple of mistakes in the defence allowed the champions back into the game.”

The experienced defender Rigobert Song, 33, was consigned to the bench as Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen preferred Monaco’s Nicolas N’Koulou, 19, and Aurelien Chedjou, 24, in the heart of the defence.

Ajax midfielder Enoh Eyong and 21-year-old Georges Mandjeck were picked ahead of more experienced players like Jean Makoun and Stephane Mbia as they combined with Alexandre Song of Arsenal to put the Egyptian engine-room on the back foot for most of this clash that was only decided after extra-time.

Mandjeck, in particular, caught the eye with a lively and energetic display behind the two top strikers that took the shine away from an Egyptian team that lined up accomplished players like Hossam Ghaly, Ahmed Fathi and skipper Ahmed Hassan, who set an African record of 170 caps on Monday.

“We played our best football against Egypt today and really deserved more than what we got in the end. Probably it was because Egypt were better prepared,” said the 28-year-old Webo.

Le Guen ensured all 19 outfield players registered for Angola 2010 tasted action as he began in earnest his build-up for the World Cup in June.