FC Copenhagen forward Geovanni Vianney, 19, is on coach David Pagou’s list for the double header against Namibia. Asked about his choices, the coach took the opportunity to defend his method.
David Pagou, head coach of the Indomitable Lions, unveiled on Monday at FECAFOOT headquarters the list of 28 players selected for the double header against Namibia, counting for the 3rd and 4th matchdays of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The name that draws attention is that of Geovanni Vianney, a 19-year-old forward playing for FC Copenhagen, according to Camfoot.com.
The Cameroonian coach did not just present his players: he also insisted on justifying the way he builds his squad. The occasion for him to set out a simple principle: performance as the basis for selection.
From Kadji Sport Academy to Denmark
Geovanni Vianney’s journey reflects a rapid rise. A product of the Kadji Sport Academy, he officially signed with FC Copenhagen in December 2025, as reported by Camfoot.com. The Danish club first placed him in its U19 side in January 2026.
Things then accelerated: the young forward made his debut with the first-team squad on 8 February 2026, before being permanently integrated on 16 April. Since the start of the season, he has featured in 13 matches and scored one goal.
His call-up comes with forwards Christian Kofane and Etta Eyong absent. Vianney took advantage of those absences to earn a place in the squad. David Pagou is also known for trusting young players, Camfoot.com recalls.
Pagou defends his selection criteria
Asked about his choices, the coach answered on substance: “If you don’t select a player on the basis of his performances, what other criterion can you use? That I don’t understand. Me, well, in any case, if I said that, I don’t recognise myself there, because if I take Nana for example, it’s because I’ve seen Nana in action. I can’t take a player ex nihilo,” he said, quoted by Camfoot.com.
For Pagou, a call-up therefore rests on direct observation of the player. That is the ground on which he intends to answer questions about certain names in the 28-man list.
Namibia, an opponent with weaknesses
On the sporting side, Cameroon top Group G with 4 points after two matchdays. The Lions host Namibia on 12 November at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, before the return match on 16 November. The stated aim: take six more points and consolidate first place.
David Pagou is nonetheless wary of an opponent he describes as “a very good Namibia team that beat Congo one-nil, unfortunately also lost against the Comoros. So that would mean it’s a team that has weaknesses”.