- Souaibou Marou is one of the most talked-about absentees from the squad
Andre Onana of Manchester United has been named to Cameroon’s final 27-man squad.
The roster included a few surprises, notable omissions, and a look at the rising stars who will carry the nation’s hopes.
Orlando Pirates striker Souaibou Marou is one of the most talked-about absentees from the squad.
The 23-year-old, who arrived at the Buccaneers with high hopes after an impressive stint with Coton Sport, did not make the final squad. Marou was a member of Cameroon’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where expectations were high that he would 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.