Cameroon coach, Rigobert Song, made an interesting decision by including Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana in his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Onana, who had previously walked out on the national team following a disagreement with Song, has now reconciled with the coach and helped Cameroon secure their place in the tournament. This decision shows Song’s willingness to put aside personal conflicts for the sake of the team’s success.
However, the exclusion of Bayern Munich striker Eric-Maxime Choupo-Moting raises eyebrows. Despite his experience and talent, Choupo-Moting has been dropped from the squad due to having missed Cameroon’s last three outings. While Song acknowledges Choupo-Moting’s abilities, he explains the decision as a means of maintaining the continuity of recent performances. This exclusion begs the question of whether recent form should take precedence over a player’s overall contribution and potential to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Cameroon will also have to cope without the services of Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo, who underwent surgery on his right ankle earlier this month. Mbeumo’s absence will be felt, as he has been a key figure for the team in recent matches. The loss of his scoring prowess and attacking presence may put additional pressure on the remaining forwards to deliver goals and secure victories.
One surprise in Song’s squad selection is the inclusion of 17-year-old Wilfried Nathan Doualla. Playing in the Cameroon league and having never been previously called up, Doualla’s selection is seen as a bold move by the coach. It remains to be seen whether Doualla can handle the pressure and expectations that come with participating in such a prestigious tournament. This unexpected inclusion highlights Song’s willingness to take risks and offer opportunities to young talents.
Captain Vincent Aboubakar will be making his fifth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Aboubakar’s experience and leadership qualities will be vital to the team’s success. His contribution, both on and off the field, will play a crucial role in guiding the younger players and ensuring they perform at their best during the tournament.
Cameroon faces a challenging start to their Group C campaign, as they will play against Guinea on January 15. Guinea is a formidable opponent and will test the strength and resilience of Song’s squad. Additionally, the reigning champions, Senegal, and upcoming nation Gambia are also part of the group. It will be crucial for Cameroon to start the tournament on a positive note and secure early victories to boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Cameroon’s squad selection for the Africa Cup of Nations presents a mixture of bold choices and questionable omissions. While coach Rigobert Song has demonstrated his willingness to reconcile with players and take risks with young talents, the exclusion of experienced players like Choupo-Moting raises concerns. The team will need to overcome the absence of key personnel due to injuries and perform well in challenging group matches to achieve success in the tournament.