AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Carlos Baleba returns to Cameroon squad for Namibia qualifiers

Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba has returned to the Cameroon squad for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Namibia after recovering from an ankle injury.

However, the Indomitable Lions will be without Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane and Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong, who have both been omitted from coach David Pagou’s 28-man squad.

Baleba missed Cameroon’s opening two Group G qualifiers after suffering an ankle injury during pre-season training with Brighton & Hove Albion before his move to Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old is now available for the double-header as Cameroon look to strengthen their position in the qualifying group.

Kofane has been sidelined since sustaining a left thigh injury during Cameroon’s 3-1 victory over Comoros in their opening qualifier.

Etta Eyong has returned to action for Levante after suffering a thigh injury at the end of August. He has made two substitute appearances in La Liga and scored against Athletic Bilbao on 21 October.

Pagou did not provide an explanation for the striker’s omission, although the decision could be intended to give him more time to recover fully.

There is also a return to the squad for Udinese defender Enzo Ebosse, who has not featured for Cameroon since the 2022 World Cup.

Pagou has handed first call-ups to Belgian-based defender Patrick Nkoa, teenage forward Geovanni Vianney of Danish club FC Copenhagen and 22-year-old defender Karl Wassom, who plays for Latvian side Riga FC.

Home-based midfielders Ivan Nana of Indomables and Jean Hugues Priso of Colombe du Sud have also earned their first international selections.

South African-based goalkeeper Emile Lako retains his place in the squad after receiving his maiden call-up in September. He was part of the team that beat Comoros before Cameroon drew 1-1 away against Congo in Brazzaville.

Cameroon will host Namibia in Bafoussam on 12 November before travelling to Gaborone, Botswana, for the return fixture on 16 November.

Cameroon’s 28-man squad

Goalkeepers: Emile Lako (Marumo Gallants, South Africa), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Montpellier, France), Blondy Nna Noukeu (US Boulogne, France), Edouard Sombang A Menang (Colombe du Sud).

Defenders: Enzo Ebosse (Udinese, Italy), Olivier Kamdem (Levski Sofia, Bulgaria), Kevin Keben (Watford, England), Junior Kotto (Reims, France), Che Malone (USM Alger, Algeria), Mahamadou Nagida (Rennes, France), Lilian Njoh (Servette Geneva, Switzerland), Salomon Nkoa Amougou (Las Louviere, Belgium), Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke City, England), Darlin Yongwa (Norwich City, England).

Midfielders: Saidou Alioum (FK Jablonec, Czech Republic), Arthur Avom (Lorient, France), Carlos Baleba (Manchester United, England), Harouna Djibrin (Angers, France), Danny Namaso (AJ Auxerre, France), Ivan Nana (Indomables), David Nyengue (ES Zarzis, Tunisia), Jean Hugues Priso (Colombe du Sud), Karl Wassom (Riga FC, Latvia).

Forwards: Ivan Cédric (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United, England), Nsongo Tonfack (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain), Geovanni Vianney (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Dorinel Yondjo (Lille, France).