World Cup (Q): Injury concerns rise for Cameroon

The Cameroon national team may have a couple of notable absences when the Indomitable Lions take the pitch for their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff match against DR Congo on Thursday.

Quelques images de la séance d’entraînement des Lions Indomptables, préparatoire au match qui va les opposer à l’Angola le 13 octobre prochain. C’était ce samedi sur la pelouse du stade omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo.#FIFAWC2026Q | #CMRANG | #GOLIONS | pic.twitter.com/DVcZfoAEz4

— Les Lions Indomptables Officiel (@LIndomptables) October 11, 2025

The Lions need a victory against their Congolese opponents to advance to the final of the African regional playoff, where Thursday’s winner will face either Gabon or Nigeria for a place in the inter-continental playoff tournament that will take place next March in Mexico.

But the status of a few players remain uncertain, with goalkeeper André Onana and midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa both in less than ideal condition. Onana is dealing with pain in his ankle while Zambo Anguissa was forced out of a training session due to a hamstring injury and has withdrawn from the squad to recover, officially ruling him out.

In addition, forward Eric-Choupo Moting is confirmed to be unavailable for the DR Congo match due to a knee sprain. While it appears that Onana will play through the pain for the important fixture, it seems like Zambo Anguissa will be forced out due to his muscle injury.

The Lions are not short on options to replace the in-form Napoli midfielder. Yvan Neyou is a defensive midfield presence who can add extra stability and Martin Hongla has plenty of experience to replace Zambo Anguissa. Jean Onana is the other option to partner talented Carlos Baleba in the heart of the midfield, although he has struggled with injuries and has made only one substitute appearance this season on loan at Italian Serie A side Genoa.

If André Onana is unable to take part, Cameroon coach Marc Brys has veteran backup Devis Epassy and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo shot stopper Simon Omossola to select from. Epassy, now at Romanian club Dinamo București, previously filled in for Onana to play all three matches at the 2022 World Cup after the regular #1 was sent home due to a feud with coach Rigobert Song.