Bassogog and Moukandjo Dropped from Lions’ Squad

Indomitable  Lions squad

The new trainer of the Indomitable Lions, Dutchman Clarence Seedorf has left out former skipper, Benjamin Moukandjo and AFCON 2017 best player, Christian Bassogog, from his list of 23 players called up to prepare for the Lions’ AFCON qualifier against the Comoros Islands.

            Seedorf argued that the two players are plying their trade in China, whose football league is not competitive enough. The Dutchman said no good player(s) would prefer the uncompetitive leagues in Asia and China to the very competitive and highly mediatized leagues in Europe.

            “Good young players don’t compete in China or Asia. Players must understand that if they abandon the competitive leagues and go for more lucrative contracts elsewhere then they forfeit their chance in the team,” Clarence Seedorf said.

            But the former trainer of Italian giants, AC Milan said he could come back on his decision if he has proof enough that a player in China or Asia is competitive enough.

            It should be noted that Olympic Marseille forward, Clinton Njie, was also left out, perhaps for his poor form and especially his unruly behavior out of the dressing room.

            In all, no less than ten players who were members of the team that won the 2017 AFCON in Gabon were left out.

            As for old reliable Nicolas Nkoulou who had announced his retirement from the Lions’ squad after the Gabon AFCON, Seedorf says he considers him fit enough to come back to the squad. He promised to engage talks with the defender and try to convince him.

            Some new-comers in the squad include Paul Georges Ntep who had earlier in 2015 rejected the Lions, preferring to play instead for France.

            No home-based players featured in Seedorf’s list of 23. But the trainer said the national team is open for all players that merit a place.

The 23 players called up include:

Goalkeepers

1. ONDOA Fabrice, KV Oostende (Belgium)

2. ONANA André, Ajax (Holland)

3. KAMENI Carlos, Fenerbahçe (Turky)

Defenders

4. FAI Collins, Standard de Liège (Belgium)

5. EBOA EBOA Félix, FC Guingamp (France)

6. NGADEU NGADJUI, Slavia Prague (TcheK Rep.)

7. OYONGO BITOLO Ambroise, Montpellier (France)

8. YAYA BANANA, Panionios (Greece)

9. ONGUENE Jérôme, Red Bull Salzbourg

10. BONG Gaétan, Brigthon (England)

11. Ambroise Oyongo Bitolo

Midfield

12. Zambo Anguissa

13. Kunde Malong

14. Georges Mandjeck

15. Adrien Temeze

Forwards

16. Toko Ekambi

17. Moumi Ngamaleu

18. Fabrice Olinga

19. Salli Edgar

20. Paul George Ntep

21. Maxime Choupuo Moting

22. Vincent Aboubakar

23. Stephane Bahoken