By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Cameroon forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting says the Indomitable Lions are fully focused ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mauritius in Saint Louis, the capital city of the island nation.
The New York Red Bulls striker insists the team is determined to respond after their 1–0 defeat to Cape Verde in Praia last month, which left them trailing in the race for top spot in Group D.
“We’re taking this match against Mauritius very seriously. It’s an important game that we have to win,” Choupo-Moting told BBC Sport. “We believe in our abilities and know we can do better than we did during the last camp. This is our first training session with the full squad, and everyone is focused. Tomorrow’s match will be decisive, but we have a good group and the players are motivated to go for all six points. We know we’re under pressure after the defeat to Cape Verde, but with the quality of players we have, I’m confident we’ll deliver a strong performance.”
Cameroon go into the penultimate round of qualifiers second in Group D with 15 points, four behind leaders Cape Verde, who sit on 19 points after eight matches.
The Indomitable Lions must win both of their remaining fixtures — away to Mauritius and then at home to Libya — and hope Cape Verde slip up to have any chance of directly qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
A second-place finish could still provide a path to the finals through the CAF playoff and intercontinental playoff routes, though Cameroon’s fate would no longer be entirely in their hands.
Mauritius, bottom of the group with just one point, will be looking to restore pride in front of their home fans after a heavy defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
Choupo-Moting was also on target the last time Cameroon visited the island nation, scoring in a 3–0 victory during a previous World Cup qualifying campaign.
Head coach Marc Brys has urged his players to stay composed under pressure as they approach the decisive stage of the qualifiers:
“Every match counts at this stage,” Brys said. “Mauritius have improved, but our objective is simple — to win and stay in control of our destiny. The players are focused, and we want to show a strong reaction after Cape Verde.”
Cameroon will be without suspended defenders Christopher Wooh and Enzo Boyomo, prompting Brys to call up Samuel Kotto of KRC Genk. Rising star Karl Etta Eyong could also make his senior debut, following impressive displays for the under-20 national team earlier this year.
Kick-off in Saint Louis is set for Wednesday afternoon, as Cameroon look to secure maximum points on the road and keep their hopes of a ninth World Cup appearance alive.
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