The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are set to face the Swallows of Burundi in a crucial AFCON 2023 qualification game next month.
In this article, we will take a look at some players who could be called up to the National team for the first time.
Players Who Could be Called Up to The Cameroon National Team For The First Time
With the Likes of Fai Collins, Nicholas N'kolou, and Fabrice Ondoa still without clubs, spaces have opened up for some players who may be given a chance to play for the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Key players Choupo Moting and Zambo Anguissa, who just recovered from injuries, might not feature.
Lastly, provided the Lions qualify for the showpiece, coach Rigobert Song will already be thinking about the squad to take to the Ivory Coast next year.
Who are the players that could be called up to the Cameroon National Team for the first time?
- Che Fondoh Malone (Defender, 24 years)
At 24 years old, Che Malone is entering his peak years as a footballer.
The former Coton Sports Captain recently signed for Tanzanian Giants Simba SC of Tanzania and has been putting up a string of performances since making the move for the 2022 Tanzanian Champions.
In fact, Che "Wall of Jericho" Malone was widely considered the best defender in the Cameroon football league for the last two seasons of his Coton Career.
Malone has represented Cameroon at the African Nations Championship, and his obvious qualities and ability to play several positions mean a Senior National Team call-up could be around the corner.
- Danny Namaso Loader (Forward, 22 years)
FC Porto's forward Danny Namaso is another player who has been knocking at the door of the Cameroon National team for a while now.
His case is a curious one, making the shortlist of selected players for the FIFA World Cup last year before being dropped by manager Rigobert Song.
Though not a very prolific striker, his trickery, pace, and general contribution to play are assets that could be useful to the Lions' aging attack line.
The former Reading winger has represented England at Youth level, and Cameroonian fans would be eager to see him finally make an appearance for the 5-time African Champions.
- Francois-Regis Mughe (Forward, 19 years)
Francois-Regis Mughe is lightning-quick, direct, and very explosive. Principally a right winger, the Olympique Marseille forward can play across the forward line and offers some unpredictability to his game.
At 19, the Douala-born player still has a lot of room for improvement.
Regis Mughe has played in all league games for Marseille so far this season, including a start in the 2-1 opening-day win against Reims.
Nimes coach, Frédéric Bompard, was impressed by the young OM striker François-Régis Mughe and had this to say: "They have a fighter jet on the right! He's given better than a good impression [of himself]; he's very fast... a bomb.
I liked him, frankly. I say it without even thinking. The speed at which he goes is out of this world. Explosiveness, speed, he's exceptional."
With reviews like this, it won't be long before Regis Mughe dons the famous green-red-yellow of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
- Carlos Baleba (midfielder, 19 years)
Although Baleba has expressed his desire to concentrate on his club career for now before making the decision to join the National team, it is easy to see why a lot of fans will be hoping that he joins the Lions sooner rather than later.
The 19-year-old former EFBC product only signed for Lille in January 2023 but adapted quickly and fast-tracked his inclusion in the senior team for the 2023/24 season.
His versatility, vision, and ability to break up play made several English clubs take notice.
Five-time European champions Liverpool showed an interest in the player, but it is Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton who has landed the talented midfielder.
It is reported that Baleba has a medical planned for Monday, 29th August, ahead of a 25 million euro move to the Seagulls.
An inclusion in the list of Lions to face Burundi will mean the Cameroon National team has a weapon in midfield capable of marshaling the engine room for several years.
- Faris Moumbagna (Forward, 23 years)
23-year-old Faris Moumbagna plays as a striker for Norwegian first-division side FK Bodø/Glimt.
With 17 goals in 30 appearances for the reigning Norwegian champions, Moumbagna could be the ideal heir to Cameroon talisman Vincent Aboubakar.
Rumors have been rife that the Yaounde-born striker is being considered by the Norwegian National team, but there is no evidence to sustain those claims.
FK Bodø/Glimt is locked in a battle to qualify for the group stages of the UEFA Europa League, and a call to the National could hardly come at a better time.
The player is full of confidence, banging in goals for fun, and fresh from winning the Norwegian League. Surely, he has done enough to warrant manager Rigobert Song's confidence!
Merlin Lako Wendeu (Goalkeeper, 24 years)
Since making his debut for the Cotonites, Merlin Lako has kept three consecutive clean sheets, including a CAF Champions League preliminary round match against Real of Bamako, where he saved a penalty.
Merlin has been in and around the National Team setup for a while now. He was part of the Squad that participated in the African Nations Championship qualifications earlier this year.
Indomitable Lions coach Rigobert Song has already shown his willingness to give local players a chance, handing debuts to Souaibou Marou and Jerome Mbekeli, so a call-up for the former Stade Renard and Canon Yaounde goalkeeper is not totally inconceivable.
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