Cameroon's Mbeumo regrets sluggish start in AFCON exit to Morocco
Bryan Mbeumo says Cameroon's reluctance to play in the first half cost them against Morocco in Friday's AFCON quarter-final. The Manchester United forward admitted the Indomitable Lions were too passive early on, which proved costly as Morocco ran out 2-0 winners in Rabat. Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari scored in either half to send the hosts through. Mbeumo believes the second half performance was much better, but the damage had already been done. 'Unfortunately, in the first half, we were a bit reluctant to play, and I think that is one of the only regrets we can have tonight,' he said after the match. Morocco will now face the winner of Nigeria vs Algeria in the semi-finals. AFCON 2025 continues to deliver surprises as hosts Morocco look increasingly likely to reach the final.