Thursday was a day of shocks at CAN 2024. Ivory Coast against Nigeria (0-1) and Egypt against Ghana (2-2) fought a battle not as spectacular as we would have liked , with a little drama but not too much: no evening result is definitive, although the Black Stars are the worst off among the quartet before the decisive final day, and they will be watching closely the match between Cape -Green and Mozambique.
Fact of the day: Mohamed Salah’s injury
One hand on the back of the thigh. It’s crazy how a seemingly innocuous gesture can so easily cause despair among a team’s supporters. Especially when it affects the star of the team, in this case Mohamed Salah, who was injured just before half-time because of this muscle problem which the whole of Egypt would like to be minor. “We don’t yet know what the problem is,” commented coach Rui Vitoria. I hope it’s not a big problem. It’s too early to say anything. »
Match of the day: Senegal-Cameroon
The CAN continues its momentum of thrilling matches with a classic among African classics between the Senegalese title holder and the unpredictable Cameroon, whose margin of error already appears tiny after its laborious start against Guinea (1-1). For Senegal, it’s quieter: Sadio Mané’s gang had asserted their status during the derby against Gambia and can already, if successful, look towards the round of 16. While putting the Indomitable Lions in serious trouble. This is called a double whammy.
A scenario that Rigobert Song, Cameroonian coach, did not seem to envisage at a press conference on Thursday. “We remain the Indomitable Lions with more stars and the impression of always being above everything. Tomorrow it will be confirmed. » The players will have the difficult task of accepting their coach’s words, even though the major asset up front, Vincent Aboubakar, will not be there.
Player of the day: André Onana
The Manchester United goalkeeper finally enters the competition. After the ludicrous agreement reached between the representatives of the Cameroonian government and his club so that the player would be released after a final Premier League match against Tottenham, the day before Cameroon’s entry into this CAN, Onana should logically find the cage of a selection where it is not necessarily desired. The pressure on his shoulders is total, and he will have to display a level closer to his internal version than that of Manchester if he hopes to silence the detractors. “I will take responsibility for everything,” the goalkeeper promised on Canal+ Africa at the start of the week. It is time.
The goal of the day
Kudus’ little treat, just after Salah’s injury exit. More was needed to knock out the Pharaohs, who ended up with a draw.
Supporters of the day
