Why Breel Embolo did not celebrate goal for Switzerland during their 1-0 World Cup win over Cameroon

Football
By Associated Press | Nov 24, 2022
Switzerland's Breel Embolo holds his hands up after scoring during the World Cup group G soccer match between Switzerland and Cameroon, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar,Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)


Breel Embolo's goal lifted Switzerland to a 1-0 win over Cameroon at the World Cup on Thursday and he kept his promise not to celebrate scoring against the country where he was born.

The Swiss forward from Yaounde struck with a right-foot shot in the 48th minute, standing all alone eight meters (yards) out in the middle of the goalmouth to take Xherdan Shaqiri's low pass.

Embolo then pursed his lips in a wry smile and held his arms out wide, before raising his hands in a gesture of apology as teammates rushed to him near the penalty spot.

He pointed toward Swiss fans behind the goal where he had scored then to Cameroon fans at the opposite corner of Al Janoub stadium.
The 25-year-old forward left Cameroon with his family when he was five. They spent time in France before settling in Switzerland, the country he is now representing at a second World Cup.

Though an African-born player scored, teams from Africa are now scoreless through the four games they have played at this World Cup. All have played higher-ranked teams, and Morocco and Tunisia earned 0-0 draws, respectively against Croatia and Denmark.

Cameroon's streak of losses at World Cup finals tournaments extended to eight games dating back to 2002.

Brazil and Serbia are also in Group G and they meet later Thursday.

Share this story
Senegal top AFCON group, DR Congo to face Algeria in last 16
Senegal saw off Benin to go through to the last 16 of the AFCON 2025 as winners of Group D, leaving the DR Congo to settle for second, which means they will play Algeria
Original All-Stars lift a record third HMCC title
Original All-Stars FC solidified their status as Harold Mbati Champions Cup (HMCC) legends by clinching their third title, following a dramatic 3–2 victory over Kima United in the 2025 grand finale.
Tanzania qualify for AFCON knockout stages for the first time in 45 years
Tanzania have made history by reaching the AFCON 2025 knockout stage for the first time after fighting back to secure a 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Rabat, ending a 45-year wait
Green Commandos prove too good for their rivals in Oguso Cup
The instrumental midfielder’s superb first half finish is all that Green Commandos needed to clinch the title on their debut, while Inyangu was named the Most Valuable Player.
Five Kenyans appointed to serve in World English Scrabble Players Association board
The five are Scrabble Kenya president Limo Kipkemboi, Muema Muumbi, Daniel Machanje, Chrispine Kennedy and Powell Cheruiyot.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS