CHAN 2022: Alioum Saidou Sought-After Etta Bawak’s Experience As He Unveils Cameroon’s List Of 25

Coach Saidou Alioum has released a 25-man squad that will represent Cameroon at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Algeria, and there is no doubt that he has included Thomas Etta Bawak, the best full-back in the land.

Out of an initial list of 30, there has been some departures from the group, and new players who arrived camp over the three weeks of preparations.

Complete list;

Goalkeepers

Kibyen Patrick (Bamboutos)
Mbahbi Marcelin (Gazelle FA)
Mbaynassen Jordain (Les Astres)

Defenders

Houzafi Youssoufa (Cotonsport)
Ibrahim Saidou (Fauves Azur)
Thomas Bawak (PWD)
Che Malone (Cotonsport)
Donatien Tchami (Bamboutos FC)
Abba Ibrahim (Cotonsport)
Moukoko Yves (Canon)

Midfeilders

Martial Zemba (Apejes of Mfou)
Louis Mbah (Eding Sport)
Prince Junior Sime (Eding Sport)
Djawal Kaïba (Cotonsport)
Valentin Beo Batto (Colombe of Dja and Lobo)Arthur Avom (Fauve Azur of Yaoundé)
Joseph Iyendjock (Union of Douala)
Joël Patten (Union of Douala)

Forwards

Harrison Djonkep (Eding)
Ramses Domfack (Cotonsport)
Guy Eyike (Union Sportif Douala)
Frank Beken (Fovu de Baham)
Roche Foning (USD)
Kemajou Dibami (Bamboutos FC)

Marou Souaibou is one of the players who pulled out after he penned a deal for South African juggernauts Orlando Pirates, thus, making him ineligible for the competition.

Jerome Ngom keeps his place – which comes in as a delight given the quality the latter brings to the fore. Clubs have shown interests for the Colombe winger, but he hasn’t moved, and so, he remains apt for the competition.

Another player of interest whose experience in Algeria will be key, is PWD’s Thomas Etta Bawak. The latter has been selected for the competition severally. He was the captain in 2018 under then coach, Rigobert Song.

Coach Saidou Alioum has made Yves Alain Moukoko his captain for all games played so far. Cotonsport’s sweeper – Malone Che has kept his place as it was expected.

Youngster Patient Wassou has been given a breather after he returned from the U20 UNIFFAC tournament, and so has goalkeeper Hecube Wislow.

The team leaves Cameroon for Tunisia this Tuesday, January 3. The lads of coach Alioum Saidou will play two friendly matches against Uganda and Sudan before traveling Oran.

Hosts of the last edition of the Africa Nations Championship, the intermediate Lions ended fourth behind third placed Guinea, runners-up Mali, and eventual winners, Morocco.

A 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in September earned Cameroon a ticket to the tournament finals.

This is Cameroon’s fourth participation in the competition and the country’s best return was the 4th place finish in in 2020. Cameroon Is housed in group E alongside Niger and Congo.