FIFA WC Q: Song shuffles pack ahead of Mauritius, Libya games
By Ngome Michael
Cameroon Indomitable Lion’s head Coach, Rigobert Song will face Mauritius and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya for 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a 24man squad that has in account key absences, inform returners and debutants.
The teamlist strikes with sidelined notables such as Martin Hongla, Hélas Verona, regular MLS defendar Olivier Mbaizo, Kunde Malong, Atromitos, Moumi Ngamaleu, Dynamo Moscow, Servette FC’s Gaël Ondoua and Bayern Munich Maxime Choupo-Moting.
Changes which however meets applauded replacements such as Faris Pemi Moumbagna of Bodo/Glimt, returning Kévin Nkoudou with great figures for Damac FC in attack, 19-year-old Tchamadeu and Leon Bell in defense.
Vincent Aboubarkar, Zambo Anguissa, Toko Ekambi, Mbuemo, Olivier Ntcham sandwiched with Kemen, Eliot, Mbekeli and Frank Magri alongside an unchanged goalkeeping trio form the old guards.
Over to the changes. Faris Pemi Moumbagna, the 23-year-old attacker who plys his trade with Norway top tier side Bodo Glimt has amassed to himself playing time in both the championship and Europa Conference League.
Faris in the last four league matches average three goal contributions (two goals, one assist), helping Glimt cement top spot with 64points from 27matchdays.
As a matter of fact, his fluidity infront of goal earns him a staggering 21goals and 8assists from 37games in all competitions, reason why Bodo Glimt is placed second in Group D of Europa Conference League.
Georges Kevin Nkoudou is returning since the FIFA World Cup in Qatar following major improvements with his Saudi Arabian Club Damac FC where in Ten matches he has started eight with 6goals and 2assists. Progress made with eyes for a possible place in the team come January 2024.
Since the departure of Fai Collins, Cameroon has faced deficulties at the right-back especially in recent outings against Russia and Senegal. It is probably why the manager summons Baptiste Tchamadeu and Ngom Mbekeli to try and solve the puzzle before next year.
The versatile Sherriff defender who can also opperate as wing-back must therefore team-up with his 19-year-old colleague from Stoke City. Ngom was on the scoresheet for Sherriff in what was his 5th goal of the season for the Moldovan outfit. The former Colombe Sportive creator is a regular starter in the Europa Conference League as well.
Baptiste Tchamadeu has been on a productive move from Colchester to Stoke City in the English lower division since 2021. The teenager has a total of four appearances for Stoke City, two which have ended in victory against Leeds and Sunderland.
Another new addition is German born Leon Bell Bell of Magdeburg. The left back, 27 also brings in versatility as he is capable of opperating in midfield with over 1044minutes in the second tier.
With this, Rigobert Song can boost of depth to his team for next week given the Bryan Mbuemo is at top level, a Premier League Player of the Month nominee with Brentford, Toko Ekambi having over two goals for Ahba, Kemen on a similar run and André Onana’s big saves from Manchester United.
