Sports Features of Saturday, 12 March 2016

Source: Cameroon Tribune

Indomitable Lions, Broos injects new blood

Hugo Bross, coach of Indomitable Lions Hugo Bross, coach of Indomitable Lions

The list of 27 comprises seven new players, one local player and two comebacks.

The new coach of the Indomitable Lions, Hugo Broos published the list of players to defend the national colours in the double confrontation against South Africa on March 26th and 29th counting for the qualifiers for the 2017 AFCON to take place in Gabon. Though the list comprises injured and suspended players, it is realistic and comprehensive given the present context. However the most striking feature on the list is the return of Alexandre Song who had put an end to his international career after the debacle of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. There is also the arrival of three new players who are called up for the very first time to the national selection namely; Abang Anatole, Toko Karl and Teikeu Adolphe.

Defence The most remarkable absence in the defence is that of Carlos Kameni who underwent a knee surgery after sustaining an injury in a Spanish league game. However, he can be valuably represented by any of the three goalkeepers shortlisted namely; Ndy Assembe, Onana André and Ondoa Fabrice. Onana André has an edge over the others having been more regular on the pitch of play which better statistics than the others.

At the level of the central defence, the boss, Nkoulou Nicolas was called up and can be ably assisted by Aurelien Chedjou. The novelty here is the presence of Teikou Adolpe of Sochaux-France who has been called up for the very first time; the others are regulars with the national team namely; Allan Nyom, Oyongo Bitolo and Sebastien Bassong.

Midfield Much of the shake up in the squad has been at the level of the midfield with the return of players like Alexandre Song and Landry Nguemo probably to make up for the absence of Enoh Eyong injured and convalescing. The new kid on the block in this compartment of the field is Tchiani Tony who will also be making his debut with the Lions. There is the conspicuous absence of Joel Matip but his brother Marvin Matip was called up for the second time. There are some new players who by their mettle seem to be regulars to the squad like Siani Sebastien, Kom Frank and the old guard led by the team captain, Stephane Mbia. The new kid on the block here is Ngwen Jonathan who is the only local player called up to the squad. Jonathan is probably reaping the fruits of his good performance at the African Nations championship in Rwanda.

Attack The attack line comprising the Lions lethal force, Aboubakar Vincent who unfortunately will not be able to play the first encounter against South African since he is under suspension for having accumulated yellow cards. However the fitness of the play maker, Choupo Moting is questionable given the fact that he is just returning from injury and has not had time to regain his form before the double confrontation against South Africa. The same holds for Benjamin Moukandjo. However, their lack of form will be compensated by the return of Christian Bekamenga who has regained his goal scoring instinct after a long period of illness and injuries. Hugo Broos could also count on fresh blood coming from Abang Anatole and Karl Toko who will be making their debut with the Lions.