Joel Matip's Cameroon Refusal Discussed by Hugo Broos After AFCON 2017 Win

Liverpool defender Joel Matip may regret missing out on Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations triumph, coach Hugo Broos has said.

Cameroon beat Egypt 2-1 in Libreville, Gabon, on Sunday thanks to a winner from Vincent Aboubakar, but Matip—a leading name in African football—was one of nine players to snub the opportunity to represent the Indomitable Lions before the tournament began.

Per Jonny Singer of MailOnline, Broos said: "There was a lot of trouble before, players who wouldn't come with us. OK, it's their decision. But maybe they are saying now to themselves, 'S--t! Why didn't I go with them?'"  

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny put Egypt into a first-half lead before Cameroon struck back through Nicolas N'Koulou's header. Aboubakar volleyed home the winner in the 88th minute.

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Matip was not included in the final Cameroon squad for the tournament and has not featured for the Indomitable Lions since September 2015.

Per Paul Wilson of the Guardian, as far as Liverpool were concerned, Matip had retired from international duty when boss Jurgen Klopp signed him from Schalke last summer. 

And as noted by Dan Matthews of the Liverpool Echo, the 25-year-old revealed he was keen to devote his time to his club side. Matip said: "It's not an easy decision, but I want to concentrate on Liverpool. I want to be here. I want to focus on Liverpool and that's what I had to decide. I think I took the right decision."

Cameroon became champions of Africa for a fifth time:

However, Broos' comments followed those of former Liverpool and Senegal striker El Hadji Diouf, who said he "didn't understand people turning down their country," per the BBC World Service.

Diouf added: "Definitely they'll regret not playing in the Cup of Nations. After your career, what are you going to do? Stay living in Europe? To do what?"

Despite being available to play following an ankle injury, Liverpool had to withdraw Matip from the squad to face Manchester United on Jan. 15, after failing to gain clearance from FIFA over his eligibility, per the Guardian.

Matip has since been back in the Liverpool side for their last two matches, a return that has no doubt been a boost to the club. But the centre-back has been unable to halt the team's slump, and the Reds remain without a Premier League victory in 2017.

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Before his injury, the centre-back was enjoying a burgeoning partnership alongside Dejan Lovren, and the pair looked increasingly settled—no mean feat considering the continued debate over the goalkeeping position at Anfield this season.

A composed, versatile defender with a good turn of speed, Matip has a strong understanding of the game and fine aerial ability.

Klopp will be hoping Matip can return to full match fitness soon, as it is likely to be Liverpool's defensive organisation that will prove key to whether they can remain in the challenge for the top spots in the league during the season run-in.