Cameroon: Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo shines on Indomitable Lions debut

By Sonita Ngunyi Nwohtazie & Boris Esono Nwenfor [caption id="attachment_100953" align="alignnone" width="683"] Mbeumo made his debut on September 23 against Uzbekistan and played the full 90mins[/caption] 23-year-old Bryan Mbeumo was amongst the standout players for the Indomitable Lions during the two friendly encounters against Uzbekistan and South Korea, despite failing to register any goal. The Brentford player made his debut on September 23 against Uzbekistan and played the full 90mins. Sadly, the debut ended in a 2-0 defeat but his performance received raved reviews from the Cameroonian public. He was again called upon for the game against South Korea but their first encounter saw his team beaten 1-0 to the Taegeuk Warriors. The winger appreciated his debut with Indomitable Lions as he tweeted: “A pride to have made my debut with the Lions. Thank you, Seoul for this very respectful and friendly welcome.” Mbeumo’s physique and tactical talent were spotted by fans who said if he continues in this kind of performance, Cameroon will make it out of the group stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in some three editions of the competition. According to Esther Otto “Bryan is a masterclass on its own." “He (Mbeumo) was very protective during these two friendly games," said Atemkeng Emillien and Nimpa Rapheal. Bryan Mbeumo played at the junior level of the French national team before switching allegiance to Cameroon in August this year, his father’s country. He had hoped to make the list of players selected by the five-time African champions for the FIFA Qatar World Cup. Mbeumo is a professional footballer born on August 7 1999 in France. He plays as a winger or forwards for          Premier League club Brentford. Bryan Mbeumo is a product of the Troyes AC Academic and began his senior career in the club. He was transferred to Brentford in 2019 and was part of the squad promoted to the Premier League in 2021. He played 35 games last season in the Premier League and scored four goals. [caption id="attachment_100954" align="alignnone" width="1024"] In two friendly encounters, Cameroon failed to score a single goal[/caption] This season, Bryan Mbeumo has played seven (7) matches for Brentford in all appearances, scoring two goals. He, like other teammates, has returned to their various clubs and the Cameroonian is expected to feature for his club this weekend. Brentford will face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, October 1 with the side looking to climb the Premier League ladder. He is again expected to be called up as Cameroon will play its last friendly game on November 9 against the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica. Cameroon is in Group G alongside Switzerland, Serbia and Brazil. The team begins its first game on November 24 against Switzerland.