The players of the Cameroonian national men's football team have been welcomed by two different technical staffs at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé since June 2, 2024, where they are staying for the preparatory stage of the matches Cameroon - Cape Verde and Cameroon - Angola, counting for the qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup. This situation clearly demonstrates that the conflict between Minsep and Fecafoot remains unresolved.
"Atmosphere at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé"
"At the entrance of the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, located in the heart of the political capital of Cameroon, a first meeting is taking place between the technical staff of the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education and that of the Cameroonian Football Federation. The two sides positioned themselves at the entrance of the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé on June 2, 2024, with the common objective of welcoming the Indomitable Lions who are preparing to take part in the two qualification matches for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup."
Indeed, Marc Brys, who made peace with the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto'o, after heated exchanges at the federation, arrived at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé late in the evening and was welcomed by Benjamin Didier Banlock, the coordinator of the national teams appointed by Narcisse Mouellé Kombi, Minister of Sports and Physical Education. A few minutes later, Faris Moumbagna, center-forward for the French club Marseille, was welcomed by Benoît Amgbwa, the coordinator of the national teams appointed by the Cameroonian Football Federation. While the ministry's staff is on-site, Moumi Ngamaleu's arrival is witnessed. The Dynamo Moscow player was greeted by the Cameroonian Football Federation's staff led by Benoît Amgbwa and Thierry Ndoh, respectively the coordinator of the national teams and the team press officer. Several other arrivals took place, including Bryan Mbeumo and Michael Ngadeu.
Cold war between the two camps
Between the two camps, there is no noticeable smooth contact. In fact, sometimes scenes of tension are witnessed. A crowd of fans gathered in one corner cheered on the captain of the Cameroon Indomitable Lions, Vincent Aboubacar, upon his arrival. Vincent Aboubacar seemed to know the corridor leading to his room better. We witnessed the arrival of Simon Omossola, escorted by Thierry Ndoh, who seemed to have a friendly relationship with the Cameroonian goalkeeper. Harold Moukoudi and Tchatchoua also arrived. Clearly awaited since the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Carlos Baleba made his debut appearance with the Cameroon national team. He was welcomed by Benjamin Didier Banlock, a member of the Minsep staff.
In fact, a good dozen selected players have been staying at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé since the marathon evening of Sunday, June 2, 2024. Other key players such as André Franck Zambo Anguissa, Èric Maxime Choupo, and Nouhou Tolo are still expected.
J. Patrick DJON
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