Indomitable Lions: Deploying A Rejuvenated Squad

T he 26-man Indomitable Lions of Cameroon squad recently na­ med by Head Coach David Pagou includes some players receiving their first call-ups, others returning for their second stints, and a handful of expe­ rienced players who represented Ca­ meroon at the 2025 AFCON in Mo­ rocco. This rejuvenated setup clearly indicates that the starting line-up, particularly compared with the team’s last AFCON appearance, will be res­ huffled in several areas of the pitch. With a relatively new squad, cohesion could be a concern, especially given the limited training time. Coach David Pagou is therefore expected to im­ plement a system that the players can easily adapt in pursuit of positive results. Goalkeeping Of the three goalkeepers called up, Simon Ngapandouetnbu has the best chance of starting between the posts for Cameroon. The Montpellier shot- stopper has spent the most time in the national-team setup, ahead of Blondy Rudolph Nna Noukeu of US Boulogne in France and newcomer Emile Merlin Lako Wendeu of Marumo Gallants FC in South Africa. Defense Cameroon continues to face challenges at right-back, with only two clear op­ tions for Coach David Pagou if he keeps players in their natural positions: Jackson Tchatchoua and Junior Tcha­ madeu. Tchamadeu, who was part of the 2025 AFCON squad, is returning from injury, while Tchatchoua, who was left out of that tournament, ear­ ned a recall during the FIFA Series tournament and featured prominently throughout the event. This could be an indication that he is gaining Coach David Pagou’s confidence. At centre- back, Pagou has many of options, in­ cluding Samuel Kotto, Che Malone, Stéphane Keller, and Duplexe Tchamba, among others. At left-back, 2025 AF­ CON regular Mahamadou Nagida re­ mains a key player, having enjoyed consistent minutes at the French Ligue 1 side Rennes this season. Darlin Yongwa and Lilian N...