South Africa, Cameroon take lead with closing squads

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco barley 19 days away, the continent’s heavyweights are laying their playing cards on the desk.

Remaining squad bulletins have triggered jubilation, debate and, in some instances, outright shock, setting the tone for a event already brimming with intrigue.

From big-name omissions to daring youth actions, the most recent lists from DR Congo, Cameroon and South Africa supply a revealing snapshot of ambition and technique as Africa’s best march towards December.

DR Congo: Desabre bets on continuity, not star energy

Essentially the most startling omission up to now comes from DR Congo, the place Sébastien Desabre has overlooked ahead Yoane Wissa, nonetheless recovering from a knee harm sustained on worldwide responsibility in October.

Although Newcastle supervisor Eddie Howe confirmed the 29-year-old has returned to coaching and even featured in an 11-v-11 session, Desabre opted towards risking the influential attacker.

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As a substitute, the Frenchman has chosen stability, rewarding the identical core that powered DR Congo via their World Cup playoff triumph final month, securing a slot in March’s inter-confederation qualifier in Mexico.

Belgian-born newcomers Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Matthieu Epolo and Mario Stroeykens retain their locations, an indication of Desabre’s religion within the rising diaspora expertise pipeline. Balikwisha, who scored within the decisive shootout win over Nigeria on debut, is anticipated to be central within the Leopards’ assault.

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DR Congo open their marketing campaign on 23 December towards Benin in Rabat, with Botswana and African powerhouse Senegal finishing a difficult Group D. Desabre’s message is evident: belief the method that introduced momentum; even when it means leaving a Premier League-calibre ahead behind.

Cameroon: Turmoil, massive names dropped and a brand new man in cost

If DR Congo’s camp is calm, Cameroon’s is the alternative. The Indomitable Lions have plunged into upheaval simply days earlier than the event, omitting star goalkeeper André Onana and captain Vincent Aboubakar, whereas freshly elected for second time period, federation president Samuel Eto’o has fired head coach Marc Brys, changing him with David Pagou.

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It marks a dramatic response to Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup; a setback that has widened longstanding fissures between Eto’o and Brys. Now, with Eto’o freshly re-elected and Pagou put in alongside skilled assistant Martin Ntoungou Mpile, the Lions are getting into AFCON below a brand new regime and with out two of their most recognisable names.

Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba headline the squad, providing dynamism and creativity, however the absence of Aboubakar’s objectives and Onana’s presence leaves a gaping query forward of their opener towards Gabon on 24 December in Agadir. Defending champions Ivory Coast and Mozambique full a harmful Group F.

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For Cameroon, AFCON 2025 now seems like a take a look at of character, and a referendum on Eto’o’s management.

South Africa: Broos blends expertise and youth in a unified imaginative and prescient

Whereas different nations wrestle with accidents and politics, South Africa have projected readability and conviction. Hugo Broos has named a well-balanced 25-man squad pushed by construction, work charge and youthful aptitude; a gaggle he says embodies the “starvation and flexibility” wanted to compete with Africa’s elite.

Captain Ronwen Williams anchors a goalkeeping line that features Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine, providing stability and depth. The defensive unit options the assured center-back pairing of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siyabonga Ngezana, supported by energetic full-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba. Younger defenders like Khulumani Ndamane, Tylon Smith and Mbekezeli Mbokazi add tactical flexibility.

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The midfield revolves round Teboho Mokoena, whose vary and intelligence make him one in every of Africa’s premier central gamers. He’s joined by Bathusi Aubaas, Sphephelo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha, a balanced mix of management, aggression and progressive passing.

Upfront, South Africa go daring: Lyle Foster, Proof Makgopa, Oswin Appollis and teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng headline a fluid, pace-heavy assault. Broos has leaned into unpredictability, choosing large gamers and creators who can shift gears rapidly and stretch the event’s extra defensively inflexible sides.

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Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane are on standby.

South Africa consider they’ll hassle anybody, and the choices replicate that ambition.

A event already outlined by massive choices

With the AFCON kicking off in late December, squad choices are revealing deeper tales:

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DR Congo are selecting cohesion over particular person brilliance. Cameroon are getting into the competitors amid transformation and inside pressure. South Africa are pushing a generational mix of construction and explosiveness.

As extra nations unveil their closing lists within the coming days, the image of AFCON 2025 will sharpen. But when these early bulletins are something to go by, Morocco is about to host a event fueled by ambition, threat, and the relentless quest for continental supremacy.