By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Manchester United have handed forward Bryan Mbeumo a timely confidence boost after naming him their Player of the Month for October, just hours before he leads Cameroon into a decisive World Cup playoff semi-final against DR Congo in Rabat.
The 26-year-old winger, who has been in impressive form for both club and country, scored three goals and provided two assists last month — performances that have established him as one of United’s most reliable attacking outlets under Erik ten Hag this season.
His recognition comes at a crucial time for the Indomitable Lions, who face a determined DR Congo side eager to reach the final playoff stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Thursday’s clash at the Stade El-Barid in Morocco promises to be fiercely contested, with both nations eyeing a return to football’s biggest stage after missing out in 2022.
Cameroon, five-time World Cup participants, will rely heavily on Mbeumo’s creativity and pace to break down a Congolese defence that has been difficult to penetrate throughout the campaign. The Lions will, however, be without senior figures Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, both ruled out through injury.
DR Congo, led by coach Sébastien Desabre, have also been dealt a major blow with the absence of forward Yoane Wissa, sidelined through injury. His absence deprives the Leopards of a vital attacking option, forcing Desabre to rethink his frontline strategy.
Kick-off is set for 8 p.m. local time (GMT+1), with the winner advancing to the final round of CAF’s World Cup playoff series in March 2026.
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