Cameroon have recalled Carlos Baleba for their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Namibia, while Christian Kofane and Karl Etta Eyong have been left out of David Pagou’s 28-man squad.

The Indomitable Lions face Namibia on 12 and 16 November in their third and fourth qualifying matches. Pagou’s selection continues the team’s renewal, with a young squad featuring five players receiving their first call-ups and a notable return for Enzo Ebosse.

Kofane’s absence is injury-related. The Bayer Leverkusen forward suffered a muscle problem in his left thigh during the previous international break and has been unavailable for several weeks. His club confirmed that the injury was sustained while he was with Cameroon.

The decision not to select Etta Eyong is less clear. The Levante striker suffered an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh at the end of August, but has recently returned to competitive action.

He scored in stoppage time last week to complete Levante’s 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. However, Pagou has not publicly provided a specific reason for omitting the forward. The most likely explanation is that the manager wants to allow Etta Eyong to rebuild his fitness gradually after almost seven weeks out.

In the absence of two of Cameroon’s most prominent young strikers, Pagou has selected Dorinel Yondjo, Nsongo Tonfack, Geovanni Vianney Agbor Ndjee and Ivan Cedric Bikoue Embolo. The latter replaced Etta Eyong during the previous international window.

Baleba’s return provides the main boost to the squad. The Manchester United midfielder missed the September camp through injury and is back alongside Bryan Mbeumo, who is also listed as a midfielder by Pagou.

Arthur Avom, Danny Namaso, Harouna Djibrin and David Nyengue complete the midfield options. Pagou has also continued to introduce new players, with Karl Wassom of Riga FC, Patrick Nkoa Amougou of Raal La Louviere, Geovanni Vianney of Copenhagen, and domestic-based players Yvan Nana of Indomables and Eyango Priso of Colombe du Sud all called up for the first time.

Ebosse’s inclusion is another significant development. The Udinese defender has not featured for Cameroon since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but returns to the squad almost four years after his last involvement. Olivier Kamdem Wabo and Salomon Nkoa Amougou are the other defensive additions.

Andre Onana, Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting remain outside Pagou’s current plans as the manager balances a younger group with the gradual return of experienced players.

Cameroon will now look for results to support the rebuilding process. Their previous camp produced a 3-1 win over Comoros, a 1-1 draw in Congo and a 1-0 friendly victory against Cote d’Ivoire.