Cameroon-Togo: Akono Unsure Of Eto’o’s Presence.

Jean Paul Akono, while unveiling his 24-man squad to play the Hawks of Togo in a fortnight, failed to inform journalists that Indomitable Lions Captain, Samuel Eto’o Fils would answer his call. The four times African Player of the year failed to show up for the friendly against Tanzania among 11 others, who have been served observation letters by the federation.

There is uncertainty as to whether the striker would answer the call following his latest declaration that the federation wanted to kill him. Against this backdrop, Akono did not provide any guarantee to the press as to his presence for the match. However, Eto’o is among the players to man the attack line with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who makes his come back to the team after injury.

Choupo-Moting’s last outing with the Lions dates back to September 2012 in Praia, during the Nations Cup qualifier against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde. Stephane Mbia Etoundi also returns after a long time. Mbia and his club, Queens Park Rangers occupy the bottom place in English Premier League. Sebastian Bassong who has not sidelined since the 2010 World Cup, returns to the team. He is in form with his club Norwich City.

Though Akono says only competent players were called, it is noted that Guy Rolland Ndy Assembe who has been on the reserve bench in his club Nancy, is in his list. Even though Mathew Mbuta Andongcho has played only one match for his club, Army Football Club of Thailand, he was also included in the list.

However, competitive players like Benoit Assou Ekotto, Jean II Makoun, Jean Armel Kana Biyik and Danny Nounkeu are in the list. Striker, Benjamin Moukandjo of Nancy  has also been included in the list. Akono has certainly learnt his lessons from the massive boycott of the Tazanian friendly. Besides convening the 24, Akono also has another list of substitute players to fill any vacuum in case of boycotts. 

Cameroon is presently in the 79th position in FIFA ranking and third with three points in the World Cup Qualifiers behind Libya and DR Congo. Though still without a contract, Akono and his colleagues say the focus is on t winning the match against Togo. They also know their future depends on the match. The players go to camp at the CAF Technical Centre in Mbankomo on March 18.
Goalkeepers
Guy Roland NdyAssembe (AS Nancy, France)
Charles Itanje (PAOK Salonique, Greece)
Loïc Feudjou (Cotonsport of Garoua)

Defenders
Dany Nounkeu (FC Galatasaray, Turkey)
Benoît Angbwa (FC Rostov, Russia)
Allan Roméo Nyom (Grenade, Spain)
Benoît Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham, England)
Pierre Wome Nlend (Canon de Yaoundé)
Henri Bedimo (Montpellier Hérault, France)
Nicolas Nkoulou (Olympique de Marseille, France)
Sébastien Bassong (FC Norwich, England)
Jean-Armel Kana Biyik (StadeRennais, France)
Aurélien Chedjou (Lille OSC, France)
Joël Matip (Schalke 04 Germany)

Midfielders
Jean II Makoun (Stade Rennais, France)
Stephane Mbia (Queens Park Rangers, England)
Alexandre Song (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Achille Emana (Al Wasl, Dubai)

Attackers
Fabrice Olinga (Malaga, Spain)
Matthew Andongcho (Army United FC, Thailand)
Samuel Eto'o (FC Anzhi Makhachkala, Russia)
Éric Maxim Choupo-Moting (FC Mainz 05, Germany)
Yannick Ndjeng (FC Sion, Switzerland)
Léonard Kwekeu (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic)
Benjamin Moukandjo, (Ligue 1, Nancy France)

Waiting List
Jéhu Youthé Rostang (Union of Douala)
Gaétan Bong (FC Valenciennes, France )
Jean-Patrick Abouna Ndzana ( Astres of Douala)

Aminou Bouba (Cotonsport of Garoua)
Stéphane Kingué Mpondo (FC Kairat Almaty, Kazakhstan)
Georges Mandjeck (AJ Auxerre)
Joseph Agbor Bah Yanki (Njalla Quan Sport Academy)

By Leocadia Bongben.
Culled from Cameroon Postline.