Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song has unveiled the official squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifier against Burundi on September 12, 2023.
The squad features a mix of experienced and young players, with Vincent Aboubakar, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Karl Toko Ekambi leading the way.
In goal, Song has called up three goalkeepers: Devis Epassy, Fabrice Ondoa, and Andre Onana. Epassy is the current first-choice goalkeeper, but Onana is expected to challenge for the starting spot upon his return to the club after the fallout from the World Cup that saw him leave the team.
Christopher Wooh and Nouhou Tolo, who have both been in strong form for their clubs this season, are the defensive anchors. Malcolm Bokele, Oumar Gonzalez, Enzo Tchatchoua, Olivier Mbaizo, and Harold Moukoudi are also in the squad.
In midfield, Song has selected Andre Franck Zambo Anguissa, Francois Mughe, Gael Ondoua, Oum Gouet, Olivier Ntcham, Olivier Kemen, and Elloitt Njongoue. Zambo Anguissa is the most experienced player in the midfield, and he will be tasked with controlling the game and providing creativity.
Up front, Song has a wealth of options to choose from. Karl Toko Ekambi, Clinton Njie, and Vincent Aboubakar are the leading contenders to start, but Bryan Mbeumo and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are also in the squad.
The Indomitable Lions, who missed the opportunity to take the title as the defending champions at the last AFCON, will be looking to qualify for the next tournament in Ivory Coast.
A win against Burundi would go a long way towards achieving that goal.
Song is confident that his team has what it takes to win the match and qualify for the AFCON. “We have a good squad with a mix of experience and youth,” he said. “I am confident that we can get the job done.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT). Cameroon is currently ranked 42nd in the FIFA world rankings, while Burundi is ranked 140th.
Here are the names absent on Song’s list;
Nicolas Nkoulou
Fai Collins
Jean-Charles Castelletto (suspended )
Martin Hongla
Kunde Malong
Jean Onana
Jerome Ngom Mbekeli
Georges Kevin Nkoudou
What do you think of Song’s list—satisfying or not?
