Cameroon will enter the Africa Cup of Nations without one of their key midfielders, Franck Zambo Anguissa, after Napoli confirmed that the 27-year-old had suffered a high-grade lesion that will keep him sidelined for several months.
The injury not only rules Anguissa out of the AFCON but also adds to a growing list of concerns for Napoli, who have already been dealing with the extended absences of stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
For Cameroon, this is a major setback in their preparations for the continental tournament, as Anguissa has been central to the team’s midfield stability and ball-winning strength.
Known for his dynamism, defensive tenacity, and ability to link play between defence and attack, Anguissa’s absence leaves a significant void in the Indomitable Lions’ spine. Coach Rigobert Song now faces the task of reorganising his midfield, potentially relying on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s understudies or domestic league players to fill the gap.
The timing of the injury is particularly damaging, coming just weeks before Cameroon are scheduled to begin their AFCON campaign. The team will have to adjust its tactics and squad strategy quickly to cope with the loss of a player who has been a regular starter in Napoli’s Serie A setup and a consistent performer for the national team.
With AFCON ambitions high, Cameroon will need to find solutions fast, balancing the need for defensive solidity with attacking creativity in midfield — a challenge made more complicated without Zambo Anguissa’s presence.
