Cameroon name strong squad

Reigning African champions Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have named 22 overseas-based players for next month’s back-to-back 2019 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against the Flames.

The African champions will host the Flames on October 12 in Yaunde before the return leg four days later at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Cameroon, who lead Group B with four points from two matches, are expected to regroup next week.

The Indomitable Lions’ new coach Clarence Seedorf has made five changes to the squad which was held by Comoros to a one-all draw earlier this month and has included just one local-based player in Ramses Akono of Eding Sport FC.

Seedorf has also recalled  forward Christian Bassogog who was left out in the initial squad, with the coach declaring “good young players don’t compete in China”.

The squad includes two England-based players defender Gaetan Bong (Brighton) and Anguissa Zambo (Fulham), Ekambi Toko (Villareal, Spain) and German-based duo Pierre Malong Kunde (Mayence) and Paul Ntep (Wolfsburg).

It also has France-based quintet of Felix Eboa-Eboa  (FC Guingamp), Ambroise Oyongo (Montpellier), Stephane Bahokene (Angers SCO), Eric Maxim Choupo- Mouting (PSG) and Clinton Njie Mua (Marseille).

On his part, Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) yesterday said his plan is that local-based players should regroup on Sunday while foreign-based players will join the squad during the week beginning October 8.

“But that will be subject to FAM’s [Football Association of Malawi] approval,” he said in a telephone interview from England where he was attending a tactical assessment summit of the 2018 Russia Fifa World Cup.

RVG said while Cameroon are one of the strongest teams on the continent, their recent draw against minnows Comoros is proof that with good approach, the Indomitable Lions can be tamed.

Flames captain Limbikani Mzava said beefing up the team with some experienced players could add value.

“My view is that we have a predominantly young squad with a lot of potential, but they lack experience. They are not yet ready for the big stage yet.

“If we are to contain the likes of Cameroon, we need more experienced players that can stand the heat at that level,” he said.

The Flames are third in the group and are tied on three points with second-placed Morocco, who however, have a better goal difference. Comoros anchor the group with one point.n