“This was a mature performance with a lot of solidarity from the entire team,” he said.
The Switzerland goal came after Cameroon had dominated the first half, missing several good chances to take the lead.
The Indomitable Lions, who eliminated Algeria in a play-off to qualify for the tournament, had outplayed the Swiss in the first 45 minutes with quick combinations, speed and power as their opponents remained toothless up front.
They carved out their first chance after 10 minutes with Bryan Mbeumo testing goalkeeper Yann Sommer before Karl Toko Ekambi sent his rebound over the bar.
The Swiss were in trouble again a little later with in-form forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting snatching the ball from an opponent to charge into the box only for Sommer to block his effort.
In search of their first win at a World Cup in 20 years, Cameroon were bolder, taking on their opponents in one-on-one situations, while the Swiss rarely managed to get into the African side’s box.
Switzerland’s players applaud their fans after their win. Photo: EPA-EFE
Switzerland, who reached the last 16 in the two previous World Cups, struck at the start of the second half with veteran Shaqiri cutting into the area and Embolo tapping in what proved to be the winner.
An almost identical move just past the hour almost saw the Swiss score again but Ruben Vargas’s shot was pushed wide by keeper Andre Onana to keep his team in the game.
Cameron failed to replicate their first half performance, failing to seriously threaten Sommer, and were lucky not to concede another in stoppage time through Haris Seferovic.
“The next match is decisive for us. We have to create opportunities. But we remain with our heads held high and know that anything is possible,” Cameroon coach Rigobert Song said.
The Swiss next play Brazil on Monday with Cameroon taking on Serbia. (Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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