Cameroon face Namibia with key absences in CAN 2027 qualifier

Cameroon host Namibia at Japoma Stadium in Douala on Thursday, 12 November 2026, as both sides meet in the third round of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

The Indomitable Lions will be seeking a positive result on home soil, although head coach David Pagou must deal with the absence of two important players. Namibia will also be without an attacking option as the Brave Warriors look to upset the hosts.

Cameroon

Pagou will be unable to select Carlos Baleba, who is injured, while Mahamadou Nagida is suspended after collecting two yellow cards in the previous matches against Comoros and Congo.

Despite those setbacks, Cameroon are expected to retain much of the structure used in earlier games. The hosts could line up in either a 4-5-1 or a 3-4-3 formation, depending on the tactical approach chosen by Pagou.

Simon Ngapandouetnbu is the likely goalkeeper, with Junior Tchamadeu, Samuel Kotto, Kevin Keben and Enzo Ebosse expected to form the defensive line.

Arthur Avom and David Nyengue are among the probable midfield selections, alongside Harouna Djibirin, Danny Namaso and Bryan Mbeumo. Bil Nsongo is expected to lead the attack.

Cameroon’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Simon Ngapandouetnbu

Defenders: Junior Tchamadeu, Samuel Kotto, Kevin Keben, Enzo Ebosse

Midfielders: Arthur Avom, David Nyengue, Harouna Djibirin, Danny Namaso, Bryan Mbeumo

Forward: Bil Nsongo

Namibia

Namibia will also be missing a player because of injury, with Petrus Shitembi unavailable after being injured while playing for his club.

Head coach Collin Benjamin is nevertheless expected to keep faith with many of his regular first-team players for the visit to Douala. The Brave Warriors could set up in a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation as they attempt to match Cameroon at Japoma Stadium.

Edward Maova is the expected starter in goal. Charles Kamberipa, Kennedy Amutenya, Ivan Kamberipa and Riaan Hanamub are likely to make up the defence.

Deon Hotto, Apercius Petrus, Prins Tjiueza and Ngero Katua are in contention for places in midfield, while Peter Shalulile and Bethuel Muzeu are expected to form the attacking partnership.

Namibia’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Edward Maova

Defenders: Charles Kamberipa, Kennedy Amutenya, Ivan Kamberipa, Riaan Hanamub

Midfielders: Deon Hotto, Apercius Petrus, Prins Tjiueza, Ngero Katua

Forwards: Peter Shalulile, Bethuel Muzeu