AFCON 2025: Cameroon close in on full squad as final arrivals boost preparations

Cameroon’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is entering a decisive phase as the national team prepares to welcome a significant group of players to its training base in Morocco, just days before the tournament gets under way.

Following the arrival of an initial group on Sunday, the Indomitable Lions are set to be strengthened further on Monday with the addition of twelve more players.

Their arrival will bring the total number of players in camp to 24, marking an important step towards having a complete and fully operational squad ahead of the continental showpiece.

The gradual assembly of the group reflects the tight calendar and logistical challenges that often accompany the final days before a major international tournament.

However, the steady flow of arrivals has allowed the technical staff to begin preliminary work, while awaiting the final pieces needed to intensify preparations.

Among the players expected to join the camp is goalkeeper Édouard Sombang, who has only recently concluded his domestic commitments following the Cameroon Cup final.

His presence is anticipated to add depth and competition in the goalkeeping department as Cameroon fine-tunes its defensive organisation.

Also arriving is forward Danny Namaso, whose inclusion further strengthens the attacking options available to the coaching staff.

According to the schedule, seven of the twelve players are due to arrive during the morning and early afternoon, enabling them to quickly integrate into the group and take part in the day’s activities.

The remaining five — Carlos Baleba, Darlin Yongwa, Arthur Avom, Olivier Kemen, and Martin Beautrel Atemengue Ndzie — are expected later, completing the list of arrivals and finalising the squad’s composition.

Carlos Baleba’s arrival is particularly anticipated, as his presence adds balance and energy to the midfield, an area that will be crucial in Cameroon’s quest to compete at the highest level during the tournament.

Alongside him, the arrivals of Yongwa, Avom, Kemen and Atemengue Ndzie provide additional options across different areas of the pitch, offering the coaching staff flexibility as tactical plans are refined.

With the squad now close to completion, attention will shift firmly to intensive on-field work.

The coming days are expected to focus on tactical cohesion, physical readiness and building understanding between players who may not regularly feature together at club level.

Having the majority of the squad assembled at this stage is seen as essential in ensuring Cameroon are fully prepared when competitive action begins.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations represents a major objective for Cameroon, a nation with a rich history in the competition and expectations that come with past success.

As the final players arrive and preparations gather pace, the Indomitable Lions are aiming to strike the right balance between physical conditioning and tactical clarity.

With the countdown to kick-off now well and truly under way, the completion of the squad marks a key milestone.

It provides the foundation upon which Cameroon hope to build a strong and unified campaign, starting with thorough preparation and a clear sense of purpose in Morocco.