Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song has explained his reason for dropping Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting in his final 27-man list for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Choupo-Moting is one of the surprise omissions in the Indomitable Lions’ selection that was announced on Thursday in Yaounde.
The 34-year-old has played majorly as a substitute in the German Bundesliga this season with 11 of his 14 appearances coming off the bench and he has two goals to his name for Bayern Munich.
His last competitive outing for Cameroon was in their final AFCON 2023 qualifying match against Burundi on September 12, missing their last four games including their first two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Song described the omission as a joint decision by the technical staff and he has opted to give home-based Leonel Ateba a chance in his selection alongside 19-year-old Marseille forward Francois Mughe.
The Cameroon coach said: “My colleagues and I have continued with what has been happening for a while. Choupo-Moting is an essential player, but recently we have seen something emerge. He remains an important player, but a choice had to be made.”
Other players who did not make the 27-man list include Nicolas Nkoulou, Fai Collins, Samuel Oum Gouet and Moumi Ngamaleu.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Fabrice Ondoa, Devis Epassy, Simon Ngapandouentbu.
Defenders: Darwin Yongwa, Christopher Wooh, Nouhou Tolo, Oumar Gonzales, Junior Tchamadeu, Harold Moukoudi, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Enzo Tchato, Malcom Bokele.
Midfield: Frank Andre-Zambo Anguissa, Ben Elliott, Olivier Ntcham, Olivier Kemen, Yvan Neyou, Wilfried Douala.
Attackers: Karl Toko Ekambi, Faris Moumbagna, Clinton Njie, Vincent Aboubakar, Frank Magri, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Leonel Ateba, Francois Mughe.
