Porto's Danny Namaso dropped as Cameroon unveil final squad for Harambee Stars double-header

Porto's Danny Namaso dropped as Cameroon unveil final squad for Harambee Stars double-header

Festus Chuma 13:30 - 06.10.2024

Porto striker Danny Namaso was among nine players dropped from Cameroon's 33-man preliminary squad for AFCON qualifiers.

Cameroon national team head coach Marc Brys has named his 24-man squad for the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header qualifiers against Kenya, scheduled for October 11 in Yaoundé and October 14 in Uganda.

The announcement, made by the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) on Saturday, has drawn attention for its notable exclusions and the inclusion of fresh talents aimed at bolstering the Indomitable Lions’ squad.

One of the biggest surprises is the omission of Porto striker Danny Namaso who recently switched his nationality to Cameroon on September 7.

Namaso, seen as a rising star, was expected to make his international debut during these crucial qualifiers, but passport issues appear to have stalled his involvement.

The delay comes as a disappointment to fans eager to see the dynamic forward in action for Cameroon.

Despite his ineligibility for the upcoming matches, there remains hope that the situation will be resolved ahead of future fixtures.

Another notable absentee is defender Jean-Charles Castelletto, a mainstay in Cameroon’s backline in recent years.

Castelletto’s absence has raised eyebrows, as the experienced Nantes player has been an integral part of the national team.

However, Brys has responded by calling up Enzo Boyomo, a 22-year-old defender from Sporting Gijon signaling the coach’s intention to rejuvenate the squad with fresh young talent.

Brys’ philosophy since taking charge of Cameroon’s national team has been clear: build a solid, experienced core while gradually introducing new blood.

The Belgian gaffer's approach is aimed at creating a squad capable of performing both in the short term—qualifying for AFCON 2025—and in the long term, preparing for future tournaments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Boyomo’s selection along with several other young talents reflects this desire for renewal while still maintaining a sense of continuity.

"We are at a crucial juncture in our qualification campaign," Brys told reporters.

"I trust the players I’ve called up, both the veterans and the newcomers, to deliver the results we need against Kenya. It’s important to find the right balance, and I believe this squad can achieve that."

Cameroon has had a solid start to their AFCON 2025 qualification journey as they opened with a 1-0 victory over Namibia, followed by a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, placing them in a favorable position in Group J.

However, the upcoming encounters against Kenya will be decisive in their quest for a spot in the continental showpiece set to take place in Morocco.

Kenya, who secured a narrow 2-1 win over Namibia in their last match, will be looking to build on that momentum as they face Cameroon.

The Harambee Stars are brimming with confidence and they are eager to secure a positive result in the first leg in Yaoundé.

In midfield, key players like André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Pierre Kunde will be expected to orchestrate play, while forward Vincent Aboubakar, captain of the national team, will lead the attacking line.

The Indomitable Lions have always been a powerhouse in African football and they will be looking to assert their dominance once again as they march towards AFCON 2025 qualification.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: André Onana (Manchester United, England), Simon Omossola (St Eloi Lupopo, DR Congo), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Nimes, France)

Defenders: Christopher Wooh (Rennes, France), Jackson Tchatchoua (Hellas Verona, Italy), Enzo Flavien Boyomo (CA Osasuna, Spain), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders, USA), Michael Ngadeu (Beijing Guoan, China), James Ndjeungoue (Gaziantep, Turkey), Guy-Marcelin Kilama (Niort, France), Faï Collins (Al-Tai, Saudi Arabia)

Midfielders: André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli, Italy), Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Olivier Ntcham (Samsunspor, Turkey), Martin Hongla (Hellas Verona, Italy), Pierre Kunde Malong (Dibba Al-Hisn, UAE), Martin Beautrel Atemengue (FC Ashdod, Israel)

Forwards: Christian Bassogog (Al-Okhdood, Saudi Arabia), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, England), Boris Enow (DC United, USA), Frank Magri (Toulouse, France), Vincent Aboubakar (Hatayspor, Turkey), Patrick Soko (SD Huesca, Spain), Nicolas Brice Moumi Ngamaleu (Young Boys, Switzerland)