By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
- Head coach Marc Brys, in charge since 2024, expected to field a full-strength side
- Captain Vincent Aboubakar leads the line for the Indomitable Lions
- Teenager Karl Etta Eyong set for senior international debut
Cameroon head coach Marc Brys, who took charge of the Indomitable Lions in 2024, is expected to name a formidable starting XI as his team face Mauritius Island this afternoon at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Saint Louis.
The Belgian tactician has gradually stamped his philosophy on the five-time African champions, blending experience with youthful energy as Cameroon look to secure another World Cup appearance against all odds, given they are trailing Cabo Verde Islands by four points with two games to go.
Manchester United’s André Onana will start in goal, behind a reliable back four of Jackson Tchatchoua, Michael Ngadeu, Jean-Charles Castelletto, and Nouhou Tolo.
Ngadeu and Castelletto who started the defeat to Cabo Verde from the bench are the most experienced center-halves in camp. They are expected to replace suspended Enzo Boyomo and Christopher Wooh.
In midfield, Brys is set to rely on the trio of Carlos Baleba, Zambo Anguissa, and Martin Hongla — a blend of physical strength, tactical discipline, and creativity that has become the team’s backbone.
Up front, captain Vincent Aboubakar will likely spearhead the attack alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Karl Etta Eyong, the 19-year-old forward who is poised to make his senior international debut.
On the bench, Brys has a wealth of attacking alternatives, including Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Danny Namaso, and Frank Magri, while Moumi Ngamaleu and Georges Kevin Nkoudou scored against Eswatini. Aboubakar Nagida provide width. Goalkeepers Simon Omossola and Davis Epassy complete the squad.
Cameroon, who eased past Mauritius in the reverse fixture, are targeting another commanding performance to close the gap on Group D leaders Cape Verde in the World Cup qualifying race.
Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Onana (GK); Tchatchoua, Ngadeu, Castelletto, Tolo; Baleba, Anguissa, Hongla; Mbeumo, Aboubakar (C), Etta Eyong.
Substitutes: Omossola, Epassy, Choupo-Moting, Namaso, Magri, Junior Kotto, Tchamadeu, Moumi Ngamaleu, Nicolas Ngamaleu, Avom, Nagida.
Head-to-head: Cameroon have dominated this fixture, winning all previous meetings, including a comfortable victory in Yaoundé earlier in the campaign. The last time they visited Mauritius, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was on the scoresheet in a routine win.
Group outlook: Cameroon currently sit second in Group D with 15 points, four behind Cape Verde. A win in Saint Louis would keep Marc Brys’ men firmly in contention heading into the final round of qualifiers especially if Cabo Verde doesnt get a point in Benghazi.
Brys’ steady influence
Since taking charge in early 2024, Marc Brys has brought structure and balance to Cameroon’s play, emphasising tactical discipline and controlled pressing. His tenure has seen the rise of young prospects like Carlos Baleba and Karl Etta Eyong, alongside a renewed commitment from senior figures such as Zambo Anguissa and Vincent Aboubakar.
The Belgian coach’s approach — blending European tactical rigour with Cameroon’s traditional physicality and flair — has restored confidence within the squad after a turbulent qualification start. Despite a narrow 0-1 defeat to Cape Verde in Praia last month, Cameroon have shown signs of steady progress and remain well placed to challenge for top spot in Group D.
What to Expect
Cameroon are likely to dominate possession, pressing high and seeking early breakthroughs through the pace of Mbeumo and the power of Aboubakar. Mauritius, meanwhile, are expected to stay compact and rely on quick counter-attacks, hoping to frustrate the visitors.
The opening exchanges in Saint Louis could prove decisive — if Cameroon convert their chances early, Brys’ men may cruise to victory. But with the home crowd behind them, Mauritius will aim to make this a contest, forcing the Indomitable Lions to show both patience and precision.
Key Facts
Cameroon have won five of their last seven World Cup qualifiers, scoring 15 goals and conceding four.
Their only defeat under Marc Brys came last month — a 0-1 loss away to Cape Verde.
Karl Etta Eyong, 19, earned his first senior call-up after impressing in the Elite One championship and youth national teams.
Zambo Anguissa is set to make his 60th international appearance for the Indomitable Lions.
Mauritius have scored in only two of their last seven qualifiers.
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