By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Cameroon’s head coach, Marc Brys, has unveiled a revamped squad for the Indomitable Lions’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Eswatini and Libya, handing maiden call-ups to Dany Namaso and Nathan Ngoumou.
They are among the four goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and eight attackers called up to defend Cameroon.
Namaso, a 22-year-old forward with Portuguese giants FC Porto, and Ngoumou, a 23-year-old winger making waves in Germany’s Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach, have earned their spots following standout performances at their club level. Namaso has been a revelation in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, contributing crucial goals and assists, while Ngoumou’s pace and creativity have made him a fan favourite in Germany.
According to sources, their inclusion underscores Brys’ strategy to broaden Cameroon’s attacking options as they prepare for the double-header against Eswatini on March 19 in Nelspruit and Libya on March 25 in Yaoundé.
“These young players bring a new dimension to our attack,” Brys said in a press conference. However, Coach Brys remains cautious. “Each match is a battle, and we must approach them with focus and determination.”
The squad has also seen the return of experienced midfielder André-Franck Zambo Anguissa, whose inclusion comes as a relief to fans and teammates alike. The Napoli star, who had been nursing a minor injury, has been cleared to play and is expected to anchor Cameroon’s midfield.
Defender Joyskim Dawa and forward Ignatius Ganago have also been recalled after lengthy absences. Dawa, last seen in national colours in September 2021, brings defensive solidity, while Ganago, who last featured in 2023, offers versatility and experience in the attacking third.
However, the squad announcement was not without controversy. Veteran goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa, a hero of Cameroon’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, has been omitted from the squad. Ondoa’s exclusion has sparked debate among fans, with many questioning Brys’ decision to overhaul the goalkeeping department. Instead, Brys has opted for younger shot-stoppers, signalling a shift toward long-term planning.
Boris Enow, Olivier Kemen, Olivier Ntcham, Darlin Yonwa, Junior Tchamadeu, Herold Moukoudi, Enzo Ebobisse, Artur Avom, Jean Charles Castelleto, Enzo Tchato, Nchindo John Bosco, and Idrissou Nfor are conspicuously absent from the squad.
Cameroon currently tops Group D in the CAF World Cup qualifiers, having secured four points from two matches. They achieved a convincing 3-0 win against Mauritius and managed a tough 1-1 draw with Libya in November 2023, placing the Indomitable Lions in a strong position.
Eswatini, ranked 144th in the FIFA World Rankings, should not be underestimated, as they held Nigeria to a draw in their opening qualifier. Meanwhile, Libya, currently in second place in the group, will present a considerable challenge, especially with the advantage of playing at home in the upcoming match.
As the Indomitable Lions prepare to roar in Nelspruit and Yaoundé, the question remains: Can this new-look Cameroon squad deliver the results needed to keep their World Cup dreams alive? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the journey promises to be thrilling.
Full list:
Goalkeepers:
Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Marseille), Simon Omossola (AS Vita Club), André Onana (Manchester United), and Devis Epassy (Abha FC)
Defenders:
Christopher Wooh (Stade Rennais), Jackson Tchatchoua (Torino), Joyskim Dawa (Steaua Bucharest), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders), Michael Ngadeu (Beijing Guoan), Ngadjui (Slavia Prague), Guy-Marcelin Kilama (Nantes), Faï Collins (Al Tai) and Flavien Boyomo (Getafe).
Midfielders:
André-Franck Zambo Anguissa (Napoli), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), James Eto’o (Fortuna Düsseldorf), Martin Hongla (Granada), Yvan Neyou (Leganés), and Wilitty Younoussa (Servette FC).
Attackers:
Christian Bassogog (Shanghai Shenhua), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Nicolas Brice Moumi Ngamaleu (Dynamo Moscow), Frank Magri (Toulouse), Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas), Nathan Ngoumou Minpole (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Dany Namaso (Porto), and Ignatius Ganago (Nantes).