Taifa Stars return dwelling to hero’s welcome after historic AFCON exit, Music hails Cameroon

The Tanzania nationwide group returned dwelling safely after a historic AFCON marketing campaign, making it out of the group stage for the primary time within the nation’s historical past.

A particular salute to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose management and assist have been clearly felt. She personally organized a presidential plane to convey the group dwelling from Rabat. A strong gesture of appreciation, delight and respect for the nation’s heroes. The Taifa Stars have been eradicated after dropping to hosts Morocco within the Spherical of 16 match in Rabat.

They went down combating as they annoyed the star-studded Atlas Lions for lengthy durations of time. They have been undone within the second-half after a second of brilliance from Achraf Hakimi to arrange Brahim Diaz to attain the one aim of the sport.

Tanzania have been enjoying of their first-ever knockout recreation on the Africa Cup of Nations after going by means of as among the finest losers. They completed third in Group C with two factors after dropping to Nigeria and drawing with Uganda and Tunisia.

Equally, former Cameroon defender Rigobert Music has issued a press release to defend the nationwide group following their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Indomitable Lions’ journey within the AFCON got here to an finish on the quarterfinals stage after the misplaced 2-0 towards hosts Morocco on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Objectives in both half from Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari sealed a memorable triumph for the Atlas Lions in entrance of a raucous crowd. Coming into the quarter-final underneath strain following an unconvincing Spherical of 16 win over Tanzania, the hosts responded in emphatic vogue.

Roared on by a deafening dwelling crowd, Morocco delivered a efficiency brimming with authority, depth and perception.

“I do know your disappointment and that of a complete individuals is nice now. Elimination within the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is a troublesome blow, and I share your ache and disappointment, ” Music stated.

“I’ve skilled related moments underneath this shirt myself, troublesome beginnings the place criticism was a lot and expectations have been nice. I bear in mind my first choices, the place each recreation was a problem, the place you needed to struggle to show your price and achieve the belief of everybody.

“This path is rarely simple, and it’s sown with obstacles. However it’s in these moments that one forges one’s character and study essentially the most.

“I wish to inform you that I’m happy with your journey. You have got displayed braveness, dedication and a fight spirit that honors our nation. That’s how soccer is completed, there are ups and downs, wins and defeats. The essential factor is to by no means surrender. This elimination shouldn’t be an finish in itself, however a place to begin for the long run.

“I encourage you to work even tougher, analyze your errors, study from the expertise, and are available again stronger. Workforce cohesion is paramount.

“Keep collectively, assist one another, for it’s collectively you could overcome obstacles and attain the heights. Cameroon has at all times been a land of soccer, and our individuals anticipate so much from you. Now we have immense potential, and I’m satisfied you could have what it takes to go for future victories and produce the cup dwelling.

“All the time do not forget that carrying the Indomitable Lions jersey is an honor and an enormous duty. it’s a legacy that we should cherish and defend passionately. Head up excessive, preserve believing in your self and your skills.

“The highway is lengthy, however with onerous work, perseverance and unwavering unity, you’ll attain your objectives. I’m and at all times will probably be your #1 supporter.”

Recognized for his defensive expertise, Music normally performed as a centre-back, however might additionally function at right-back.

Internationally, he performed at a document eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and served as captain in 5 (those he was not captain for have been South Africa 1996, Burkina Faso 1998 and Angola 2010), a document, and holds the document of most consecutive video games performed within the match with 35 first group video games.

He has received two CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002.

Additionally, Egypt ahead Mohamed Salah praised Ivory Coast for his or her show regardless of bowing out of the AFCON on the weekend.

Salah scored and offered an help as Egypt withstood the Ivorian wave to grab a dramatic 3-2 victory in an exhilarating quarter-final, the place the Pharaohs’ effectivity made the distinction towards the territorial dominance of the Elephants.

Within the fourth minute, Omar Marmoush set the tone. Served by Emam Ashour, the Manchester Metropolis ahead made a decisive run and beat the Ivorian goalkeeper to open the scoring. Ivory Coast shortly took management of the ball, laying siege across the Egyptian penalty space.

Diallo and Diomandé delivered a number of crosses, Guessand pushed to unlock the Pharaoh’s backline, however El Shenawy and his protection bent with out breaking.

“I’m very joyful and proud to play with these guys. We at all times wish to convey pleasure to the Egyptian followers, and we imagine we will win each match with this mindset,” stated Salah.

“It was a troublesome match. The Ivorians received the AFCON final time at dwelling. They performed like champions at the moment as nicely. However we gave every thing, and I’m joyful we managed to qualify.

“I at all times give my all for my group. I attempt to convey my expertise to assist us obtain nice issues. I at all times inform my teammates to provide every thing as quickly as they step on the pitch. It’s crucial to try this so now we have no regrets.”

Egypt will now face Senegal within the semifinals.