Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is notably absent from Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations squad, as revealed by head coach Rigobert Song on Thursday.
Song has included other international stars playing abroad, such as Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana and Besiktas striker Vincent Aboubakar.
Despite Choupo-Moting's importance as a 34-year-old player for Bayern, Song has made the bold decision to omit him, stating, "We all know he is an important player. However, one has to make choices."
In his squad, Song has selected only two players who currently play in Cameroon: forward Leonel Ateba and midfielder Wilfried Nathan Douala.
"We are all convinced the youngsters (Ateba and Douala) are keen to live their dream," said Song, praising their level of performance and motivation.
Song, who played a crucial role in Cameroon's title victories in 2000 and 2002, is aiming to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations trophy that The Indomitable Lions last won in 2017; they finished third in the last edition, which they hosted.
The tournament is scheduled to run from January 13 to February 11 in the Ivory Coast.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Andre Onana (Manchester United/ENG), Devis Epassy (Abha FC/KSA), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Marseille/FRA), Fabrice Ondoa (Nimes/FRA)
Defenders: Jean-Charles Castelletto (Al-Raed Saudi/KSA), Harold Moukoudi (AEK Athens/GRE), Oumar Gonzalez (Al-Raed Saudi/KSA), Darlin Yongwa (Lorient/FRA), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders/USA), Christopher Wooh (Rennes/FRA), Enzo Tchato (Montpellier/FRA), Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke City/ENG), Malcom Bokele (Bordeaux/FRA)
Midfielders: Yvan Neyou (Leganes/ESP), Olivier Kemen (Kayserispor/TUR), Olivier Ntcham (Samsunspor/TUR), Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli/ITA), Wilfried Nathan Douala (Victoria United), Ben Elliot (Reading/ENG)
Forwards: Karl Toko-Ekambi (Abha/KSA), George-Kevin Nkoudou (Damac/KSA), Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas/TUR), Faris Pemi Moumbagna (Bodo Glimt/NOR), Francois Mughe (Marseille/FRA), Frank Magri (Toulouse/FRA), Leonel Ateba (Dynamo de Douala), Clinton Njie (Sivasspor/TUR)
