When Karl Edouard Blaise Etta Eyong, a 21‑year‑old forward for Levante UD, received his first senior call‑up from the Cameroon National Team, the reaction was immediate and electric. Marc Brys, the Indomitable Lions’ head coach, announced the 26‑man squad on Thursday, 2 October 2025, setting the stage for two critical matches in the World Cup qualifiers. Eyong will travel to Saint‑Pierre, Mauritius for the first leg on 8 October, then back to Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé for the showdown against Angola on 13 October.
Why the Call‑Up Matters
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Cameroon sits second in Group D with 15 points, four shy of Cape Verde, the group leaders. A win‑and‑win scenario against Mauritius and Angola would keep direct qualification alive; a stumble could hand the race to a rival. Brys, who took over the Lions in early 2024, has been looking for fresh attacking options after a dip in form that left fans uneasy.
“Etta’s numbers in La Liga are impossible to ignore,” Brys told reporters at the federation’s headquarters in Yaoundé. “Four goals in seven games, three assists – that’s the kind of impact we need on the flank.” The forward’s rise mirrors the story of a youngster who once flirted with representing Spain, only to be snapped up by his homeland in a swift move that surprised both camps.
Etta Eyong’s Club Journey
Eyong’s story is a textbook case of a talent nurtured abroad but never forgetting his roots. He left Douala’s École de Football Galactique in 2022 for Cádiz CF’s academy, broke into senior football with their reserve side, and eventually earned a La Liga debut on 19 January 2024 against Alavés. A stint with Villarreal CF B followed, where he scored his first professional goal on 10 May 2025.
On 1 September 2025, Levante sealed a four‑year deal for the forward, paying a modest €2.3 million fee. Since then, he’s been a regular fixture in the starting XI, delivering four goals and three assists in just seven league outings – a strike rate that placed him among the top five creators in the league at that point.
“I’m thrilled to wear the lion’s crest,” Eyong said in a video posted by Levante’s media office. “It’s a dream I’ve carried since I was a kid kicking a ball on the streets of Douala.” His excitement is palpable, and the national team camp set for 6‑14 October will be his first taste of senior international football.
Squad Dynamics and Key Absences
Cameroon’s selection reads like a who’s‑who of African football: veteran goalkeeper André Onana, striker Vincent Aboubakar, midfield engine André‑Frank Zambo Anguissa, and winger Bryan Mbeumo. Yet the squad isn’t without blemishes. Defender Christopher Wooh missed out after picking up a second yellow card, and goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu remains suspended.
“Davy Epassy is back, and that creates healthy competition for the No. 1 jersey,” Brys added. “We’ll decide on match day based on form and fitness.” The coach’s transparent approach hints at a flexible lineup, giving Eyong a realistic shot at minutes, especially if the Lions need a spark after a sluggish first half.
What the Fixtures Mean for Group D
Group D’s standings are razor‑thin. Cape Verde leads with 19 points, while Cameroon’s 15 puts them within striking distance. Mauritius, a clear underdog, sits at the bottom with only three points, and Angola trails with eight.
- Cameroon must win both matches to stay within four points of the leaders.
- A draw against Angola could still see them qualify if Cape Verde drops points against Libya or Eswatini.
- Goal difference may become the tiebreaker – the Lions currently have a +7 margin.
The Lions’ first leg in Saint‑Pierre offers a rare chance to net an away goal, a factor that could decide the tie if both games end level. The second leg at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo is a fortress; Cameroon has lost only once there in the last decade.
Looking Ahead: AFCON and Club Implications
Beyond October, the calendar is packed. The African Cup of Nations runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco. Should Eyong cement a place in Brys’s setup, Levante could lose a key creator for the tournament’s duration. The club’s sporting director, Javier Márquez, warned, “If Etta shines for Cameroon, we’ll have to plan for his absence during the Cup. It’s a risk, but it also raises his market value.”
For the player, the dual exposure – La Liga performance and international spotlight – could attract interest from bigger European clubs. A strong showing against Angola, a side that boasts a disciplined defense, could be the springboard.
On a personal level, the call‑up silences the lingering speculation about a possible switch to Spain. “When the call came, I felt a wave of relief,” Eyong admitted to local outlet Stopblablacam.com. “My heart has always been with Cameroon.”
Key Facts
- Player: Karl Edouard Blaise Etta Eyong, 21, forward, Levante UD
- Coach: Marc Brys, Cameroon head coach
- Matches: vs Mauritius (8 Oct, Saint‑Pierre) and vs Angola (13 Oct, Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo)
- Group D position: 2nd with 15 points, 4 behind Cape Verde
- Potential impact: Increased market value, possible AFCON absence for Levante
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Etta Eyong’s call‑up affect Levante UD’s squad depth?
Levante loses a forward who has contributed four goals and three assists this season. If Eyong features heavily in the World Cup qualifiers and later the AFCON, the club will rely on backup striker Álvaro García and the youth academy to fill the gap, potentially prompting a mid‑season signing.
What are Cameroon’s realistic chances of qualifying directly for the 2026 World Cup?
If the Lions win both fixtures, they’ll finish with 21 points, likely enough to overtake Cape Verde, assuming the leaders drop points in their remaining games. A slip‑up could force Cameroon into a play‑off, but the team’s recent form and home advantage at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo keep direct qualification within reach.
Why did Eyong choose Cameroon over a potential Spain senior call‑up?
Eyong cited personal and cultural ties in an interview with Stopblablacam.com, saying his childhood dream was to wear the lion’s jersey. The timing also mattered – Cameroon acted first, offering immediate senior involvement, whereas Spain’s interest was still speculative.
Which players are missing from Cameroon’s squad for the October matches?
Defender Christopher Wooh is suspended for accumulated yellow cards, and goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu also sits out due to a similar disciplinary issue. Midfielder Yvan Neyou is injured, limiting the team’s midfield depth.
When and where will the African Cup of Nations be held?
The tournament runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco, featuring 24 teams across eight venues, including the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
