World Cup 2022 – Cameroon: three Lions who must show their teeth

Nicolas N’koulou, the Lion's last dance

With the absence of Michael Ngadeu, who was not selected, Nicolas N’koulou must be the leader of Cameroon's defence in Qatar. At what will probably be his last World Cup, the 32-year-old is set to play in his third finals after 2010 and 2014. His career is winding down in a way he had not planned.

In his early days, Nicolas N’koulou was a benchmark centre-back, at Monaco and at Marseille. Since leaving OM, however, the man with 76 caps for Cameroon (2 goals) has had bad spells at Lyon and Watford. He now plays for Aris Thessaloniki in Greece. The 2017 African champion can therefore use this World Cup to remind football fans of his quality. That is just as well, because he will have his work cut out against the Swiss, Serbian and Brazilian forwards. Over to him.

Zambo Anguissa, the midfield master

At Napoli, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa runs the midfield. The former Olympique de Marseille player has played a major part in Napoli topping Serie A. His sparkling form is needed in Qatar to help Cameroon get out of a very tough group. What's more, he is the only one in the Indomitable Lions' midfield who can stand comparison with the opponents in Group G (Switzerland, Serbia, Brazil).

Read also: World Cup 2022 – Group G: Cameroon will have to battle to get through

If Cameroon are to hope to put in a respectable showing, they will need a Zambo who can show his best form. His work rate, his ability to break opposition lines, with or without the ball, his technique and his cutting edge (3 goals and 6 assists in 18 matches this season with Napoli) are all assets that can help him shine and guide his team. Unless the alleged tensions with Samuel Eto’o lead Rigobert Song to put him on the bench…

Choupo-Moting, the saviour up front?

Against Panama on Friday, Cameroon conceded a disappointing draw. But Choupo-Moting was thoroughly impressive. The Bayern striker scored barely three minutes after coming on at half-time. That will delight Cameroonian fans, but it should also worry his rivals for the centre-forward spot, notably Vincent Aboubakar.

The former PSG man arrives at the 2022 World Cup in red-hot form. With Bayern Munich, Choupo-Moting has scored 11 goals and provided 3 assists in 16 games this season (9 starts). His goal against Panama, his 20th in 69 caps, takes him into the top 10 scorers in Cameroon's history. With the Indomitable Lions needing a fox in the box to make an impact at this World Cup, Choupo-Moting has a dream chance to score goals and write his name in gold letters in Cameroon's history.