Finke can't fault Cameroon

Cameroon coach Volker Finke has hailed his side's determination at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, despite their exit at the group stages.

The Indomitable Lions recorded two points from their first two matches in Equatorial Guinea after draws against Mali and Guinea, but fell to Max Gradel's thumping strike in the 34th minute of Wednesday's final Group D clash against Cote d'Ivoire.

The result left Finke's men bottom of the group - the first time they have finished in last place in the group stages at an AFCON finals, but the coach still feels his side deserve credit for their performances.

"We tried so hard, really, everyone gave everything," Finke told reporters after their loss on Wednesday.

"We can't talk about the team not trying, we tried, we gave everything. In the second half, everyone gave everything, but there were no clear chances.

"In the first half there were, but we didn't take them.

"I think the most important thing, as always, is what's happening on the pitch. We gave everything, and we're disappointed. But it's important to stay positive, because the team is young and the future is still to come."

Finke later repeated the mantra that the best years for this side are ahead, but he must wonder again if he will be around to see them.

"The most important thing is still to come for Cameroon. The team is still in construction, but we can't say we failed because of youth. The most important thing is to look forward and to speak of chances to come," he concluded.