By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Coach Marc Brys has thrown down the gauntlet, naming a high-stakes 26-man squad for the Indomitable Lions’ do-or-die FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mauritius and Angola on October 8th and 13th.
The official list, released on October 3rd, features a few fresh faces as Brys looks to inject new energy into the team’s struggling campaign.
Three uncapped players have earned their first senior call-up: midfielder Karl Edouard Blaise Etta Eyong, midfielder Fidèle Brice Ambina, and defender Samuel Junior Kotto.
These young Lions will be aiming to make an immediate impact and provide the necessary boost to the squad’s playing style.
Cameroon is under immense pressure following a disappointing qualification campaign. Their shocking defeat to Cape Verde on Day 8 of play has left them in a precarious position in Group D. The team, which once looked comfortable, now finds itself needing a near-miracle to claw back into contention for the top spot.
The Indomitable Lions will first travel to face Mauritius on October 8th, before hosting Angola on October 13th in a fixture that could ultimately decide their fate.
Their hopes, however, don’t just rest on their own performance. The team will be closely monitoring the results of current Group D leaders, Cape Verde, whose outcome will be paramount to Cameroon’s chances of qualification.
Brys’ men understand that maximum points are non-negotiable in these upcoming fixtures if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Full list of players:
Three goalkeepers:
Dévis Epassy, Simon Omossola, André Onana.
Eight defenders:
Samuel Junior Kotto, Jackson Tchatchoua, Jean Charles Castelletto, Nouhou Tolo, Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Nagida Mahamadou, Junior Tchamadeu, and Malcom Bokele.
Five midfielders:
André Frank Zambo Anguissa, Carlos Baleba, Arthur Avom, Martin Hongla, and Fidèle Brice Ambina.
10 forwards:
Christian Bassogog, Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Brice Moumi Ngamaleu, Frank Magri, Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Dany Namaso, Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, Patrick Soko, and Karl Etta Eyong.
