Manchester United goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has been included in Cameroon’s final 27-man squad. The roster 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 Onana is expected to provide stability at the back.
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.
