2023 AFCON: Ganago out, Mbeumo out, Kevin Nkoudou? Injury crisis hits the Indomitable Lions camp, less than one month to the start of tournament

Nkwain Desmond December 16th, 2023, 1:25 am

Three Indomitable Lions players have each picked up an injury, less than 30 days to the start of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Bryan Mbeumo who was the first to suffer an injury, will be out for 12 weeks, according to Brentford manager Thomas Frank.

Mbeumo suffered an ankle injury during Brentford’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton on December 6th. Unfortunately, this means he will miss the 2023 AFCON, which is set to take place in Ivory Coast next month.

"Out for 12 weeks." ❌

Thomas Frank provides an update on Bryan Mbeumo. pic.twitter.com/KnuRXKhNJb

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2023

The 24-year-old becomes the second player from the Indomitable Lions to be ruled out of the 2023 AFCON. Ignatius Ganago, who plays for Nantes, sustained an injury back in November, that will keep him out for the entire season.

Ignatius Ganago, attaquant du FC Nantes, voit sa saison prendre fin suite à une rupture du ligament croisé du genou. Son absence de six mois constitue une perte regrettable pour le Cameroun, l'empêchant de participer à la Coupe d'Afrique des Nations. ☹️ pic.twitter.com/XWptIhxKlR

— La Tanière²³⁷ 🦁 (@lataniere237) November 30, 2023

Georges Kevin Nkoudou has also joined the list of injured Indomitable Lions players. He picked up an injury during his team’s 1-0 victory over Al-Raed, a match in which he scored the only goal. Nkoudou was substituted in the 82nd minute due to discomfort in his leg. The extent of his injury will be communicated in the coming days.

Nkoudou has been one of Cameroon’s standout players abroad this season. Currently, he ranks third in the Saudi Pro League’s top scorers chart, with 14 goals. Only Aleksandar Mitrovic (15) and Cristiano Ronaldo (16) have scored more.

These injuries are a significant setback for Rigobert Song, as Mbeumo has been one of Cameroon’s most influential and creative players, and Georges Kevin Nkoudou was just starting to find his place in the manager’s plans.

Rigobert Song is expected to announce a provisional squad in the upcoming days, which could include up to 53 players. From this squad, the final team for the AFCON in Ivory Coast next year will be selected.