Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
The pre-match press conferences between Cameroon and Libya took place late in the evening in the conference room of Yaounde’s Stade Omnisports. For Cameroon, Marc Brys and André Onana came forward to answer journalists’ questions, under the coordination of Thierry Ndoh, press officer for the Indomitable Lions. What stood out during this exchange was that Marc Brys and Thierry Ndoh disagreed on one point.
Introducing the press conference, the press officer told journalists to ask only questions relating to Tuesday’s match. Knowing the majority of journalists present at this conference, Ndoh selectively granted speaking opportunities to some. This decision prompted a strong reaction from one journalist, who was forced to assert himself in the crowd. Coach Marc Brys backed him, stating, “He’s right to ask that question.” In response, press officer Thierry Ndoh retorted, “I’m the press officer, and I’m the boss here. I give the floor to whoever I want.”
Marc Brys resumed by reminding him: “Just to clarify, I’m the boss of the Indomitable Lions bench, but it’s always messy, so…“. After the tense exchange, the press conference continued, but not peacefully.
High tension in the room
Some of the journalists were completely snubbed by Thierry Ndoh, who as he clearly stated, had the authority to decide who could speak. This selective approach did not go down well with several media representatives, who were eager to ask Marc Brys and André Onana certain questions. Frustration grew, leading to heated exchanges between journalists. The press conference ended in a tense atmosphere, with a general lack of serenity.
