Cameroon announce 27-man squad for AFCON 2023; Andre Onana included

Souaibou Marou of the Orlando Pirates was left out of the final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations

As the countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 intensifies, football enthusiasts eagerly awaited the announcement of Cameroon‘s final 27-man squad. The roster, unveiled recently, came with its fair share of surprises, notable exclusions, and a glimpse into the emerging stars who will carry the hopes of the nation.

One of the most talked-about omissions from the squad is Orlando Pirates’ striker, Souaibou Marou. The 23-year-old, who arrived at the Buccaneers with high expectations following his impressive stint with Coton Sport, did not secure a spot in the final squad. Marou had been part of Cameroon’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where anticipation grew for him to follow in the footsteps of legendary striker Samuel Eto’o.

Marou’s journey with Orlando Pirates has been a rollercoaster since his arrival in January last year. Despite an impressive track record of 30 goals in 63 appearances for Coton Sport over two seasons and being named Cameroonian Footballer of the Year in October 2022, the young striker struggled to make his mark in South Africa.

The striking prowess of the final squad is underscored by the inclusion of formidable names such as Vincent Aboubakar of Besiktas, whose experience and goal-scoring ability make him a key asset. Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa adds a touch of Serie A flair to the midfield, while Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is expected to provide stability at the back.

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Notably absent from the list is Bayern Munich forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the reasons behind his exclusion. The dynamics of squad selection always elicit varied opinions, and Choupo-Moting’s absence adds an extra layer of intrigue to Cameroon’s AFCON campaign.

Cameroon’s final 27-man squad for AFCON 2023

Goalkeepers: Andre Onana (Manchester United, England), Fabrice Ondoa (Nimes, France), Devis Epassy (Abha, Saudi Arabia) Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Marseille, France).

Defenders: Christopher Wooh (Rennes, France), Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke, England), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders, USA), Darlin Yongwa (Lorient, France), Oumar Gonzalez (Al Raed, Saudi Arabia), Harold Moukoudi (AEK Athens, Greece), Jean Charles Castelletto (Nantes, France), Malcom Bokele (Bordeaux, France), Enzo Tchato (Montpellier, France).

Midfielders: Olivier Ntcham (Samsunspor, Turkey), Yvan Neyou (Leganes, Spain), Doualla Wilfried Nathan (Victoria United, Cameroon), Ben Njongoue Elliott (Reading, England), Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli, Italy), Olivier Kemen (Kayserispor, Turkey), Leonel Ateba (Dynamo Douala, Cameroon).

Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas, Turkey), Francois Regis Mughe (Marseille, France), Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (Damac, Saudi Arabia), Clinton Njie (Sivasspor, Turkey), Karl Toko Ekambi (Abha, Saudi Arabia), Faris Moumbagna (Bodo/Glimt, Norway), Frank Magri (Toulouse, France).

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