Carlos Baleba, the Cameroon international midfielder at Brighton, is out of Cameroon’s double-header against Namibia. Head coach David Pagou has called up Ryan Gloire Fosso, the Standard Liège midfielder, to replace him.
A blow for the Indomitable Lions. Carlos Baleba is out of the two matches against Namibia, on 12 and 16 November, in the third and fourth matchdays of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. He injured his hamstring on matchday four of the Champions League, according to Cameroun24.net and Actucameroun.
To cover for his absence, head coach David Pagou has called up Ryan Gloire Fosso, Camerounweb reports. The news, made official on 7 November, comes with Cameroon top of their group on four points.
An absence of several weeks
Brighton head coach Michael Carrick confirmed the severity of Baleba’s injury. “Carlos, we don’t yet know exactly how serious his injury is, but his absence should be counted in several weeks. It is certain that he will not be available this week, nor during the international break. His return will take a little more time,” he said, according to Cameroun24.net. Early estimates suggest an absence of up to seven weeks, information to be treated with caution.
The injury comes with Baleba having not worn the Indomitable Lions shirt since the AFCON in January 2026, between a rest period in March and injuries, Actucameroun recalls. His return to the national team therefore remains dependent on the progress of his fitness.
Fosso, an in-form replacement
Ryan Gloire Fosso arrives with solid arguments. The Standard Liège midfielder played the full 90 minutes of his side’s 3-0 win over Beveren, with 91 balls touched and 73 passes completed out of 79, according to Cameroun24.net.
The Cameroon head coach will have to make do without Baleba for the two upcoming fixtures. The first leg is announced for 12 November at Japoma, in Douala, and the return four days later in Gaborone, Botswana, according to Camerounweb and Xornal Galicia.
Nsongo Bil, another reinforcement
Besides Fosso, David Pagou has also called up Nsongo Bil, the 22-year-old Deportivo La Coruña forward. The news, reported by Xornal Galicia, states that the player, with 11 matches, 10 starts and 2 goals in La Liga, will join the squad on Monday 9 November.
The return match, scheduled for 16 November 2026, will be played at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.