Two weeks after sending his pre-list for the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023, Rigobert Song Bahanag has just published the list of players he has selected for the Ivorian meeting. Choupo Moting is not part of the squad. The Bayern Munich striker was already expected not to be in the game. Information relayed by certain sports information sites reported the decision of Rigobert Song Bahanag to punish one of the most prolific attackers of the selection, for his defection during the penultimate regrouping, during which Cameroon had played a friendly match. And during the last regrouping, Just Moting’s son had not been summoned. A first sign of disenchantment with the technical staff. Rigobert Song confirmed what was a speculation.
Emmanuel Mahop the forgotten golden ball
Also missing are Faï Collins who has just found a new club, Bryan Mbeumo injured at club and who should be unavailable until mid-January, Léandre Tawamba and Moumi Ngamaleu. Just as no player from the local championship had the chance to be selected, and yet in the extended list of 49, there were seven including Emmanuel Mahop the 2023 Cameroonian Golden Ball.
Cameroon will therefore go to Ivory Coast next January with almost all known names. With among the four goalkeepers that Rigobert Song has already called up at least once since his arrival at the head of the Indomitable Lions: Andrew Onana, Devis Epassy, Simon Ngapandoutnbu et Fabrice Remove. In defense, Nicolas Nkoulou and Olivier Mbaizo, often considered fans of the coach, are absent.
On the other hand, rare bruises were able to force their presence. This is the case of Leonel Ateba and Wilfried Douala.
Except in the event of major unavailability, it is this group which will defend the colors of Cameroon from January 18 in Yamoussoukro.
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