Cameroon host Namibia on Thursday 12 November 2026 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, for matchday 3 of qualifying for AFCON 2027. Deprived of the injured Carlos Baleba and the suspended Mahamadou Nagida, head coach David Pagou must put together a starting XI.
The Japoma Stadium in Douala hosts matchday 3 of Group G of qualifying for AFCON 2027 on Thursday 12 November 2026. Cameroon welcome Namibia without two players: Carlos Baleba, the midfielder ruled out through injury, and Mahamadou Nagida, suspended after picking up two yellow cards against the Comoros and Congo. Head coach David Pagou will therefore have to work around those absences.
According to nigeriasoccernet.com, Baleba is unavailable through injury, while Nagida’s suspension, confirmed by africasoccer.com, leaves the staff a player short. To compensate, the coach could opt for a 4-5-1 or a 3-4-3, two formations mentioned by africasoccer.com.
A starting XI still uncertain
While those absences are confirmed, the exact make-up of the Cameroonian XI remains a guess. According to africasoccer.com, Simon Ngapandouetnbu is expected to keep goal, behind a defence made up of Tchamadeu, Kotto, Keben and Ebosse.
In midfield, Bryan Mbeumo is among the likely starters, while Bil Nsongo is expected to lead the line. These options remain hypothetical and do not constitute an official list.
On the other side, Namibia will also have to cope with an absence: according to africasoccer.com, head coach Collin Benjamin will be without Petrus Shitembi, injured at his club. Peter Shalulile and Bethuel Muzeu are expected in attack.
A home run to protect
Cameroon have 4 points from two matchdays and lead Group G, ahead of the Comoros and Namibia, who have 3 points each. A win on Thursday would allow the Indomitable Lions to strengthen their lead.
The statistics also favour the Cameroonians. According to footballdatabase.eu, the national team have won their last five home matches in AFCON qualifying, since 12 September 2023. A run Namibia will try to end in Douala.
The absences of Baleba and Nagida could, however, weigh on that momentum. The staff will have to find solutions to make up for them.
A depth test for Pagou
This match will therefore be a test of the depth of the Cameroonian squad. David Pagou’s tactical choices, between a 4-5-1 and a 3-4-3, will be closely watched, as will the role given to Bryan Mbeumo, expected in midfield.
Namibia, who have 3 points, will have to do without Shitembi, but can count on the attack of Shalulile and Muzeu, expected in Douala.
Before this meeting, Namibia and the Comoros each have 3 points, one fewer than Cameroon.