Why Mbella Etouga call-up for Cameroon AFCON qualifiers against Kenya and Burundi is major boost for Asante Kotoko |

Asante Kotoko forward Franck Mbella Etouga has been called ahead of Cameroon 2023 AFCON qualifiers
The forward’s maiden call-up will boost Asante Kotoko in many areas
Africa will began to learn that Asante Kotoko is walking into their usual class
Asante Kotoko have established smooth relationship with Cameroonian football
Cameroonian local stars may want to join Kotoko- a plus due to pedigree of Cameroon in African football

Asante Kotoko have seen their leading man Franck Thierry Mbella Etouga called up ahead Cameroon AFCON qualifiers against Kenya and Burundi next month.

“Within the framework of the qualification matches for the “AFCON TOTAL ENERGIES 2023, Ivory Coast”, Cameroon’s Senior Men’s National Team will play official matches during the FIFA break running from 30th of May to 14th June 202; 4th June 2022 Cameroon vs Kenya [and] 8th June 2022 Burundi vs Cameroon” Cameroon FA’s letter to Etouga read.

“In this perspective, a preparatory training camp will be held during the aforementioned FIFA break which runs from 30th May to 14th June.”

“In view of the above, we hereby inform you that you have been selected to take part in the said meetings. You are kindly requested to make all the necessary arrangements to ensure your presence.”

The striker has been in exceptional form in the Ghana Premier League netting double figures in the process to become the top scorer. He had the opportunity to send his tally to 21 goals last weekend but burst away two penalties against Aduana Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The misses from the spot may have endanger Mbella’s confidence but has been relieved from any negative feelings immediately after been recognized a competent striker at national team ahead of Cameroon’s AFCON qualifiers that begins June.

Cameroon begin their 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign with tricky home clash against Kenya on 4th June before they travel to Burundi four days later in their second game.

Boss Rigobert Song is well aware of Mbella’s form at Kotoko and hands the center forward his maiden Indomitable Lions call-up. Song’s call-up contains more foreign stars who play in Europe with AS Vita Club goal keeper Omossola Simon and Mbella Etouga the only ones playing in Africa.

Senior figures Andre Onana, Collins Fai, Michael Ngadeu, Castelletto, Ambroise Oyongo, Anguissa Zambo, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Vincent Aboubakar and Toko Ekambi have all been called for the first two games.

Though Mbella Etouga is not expected to lead the starting XI against Kenya and Burundi, being part of the full set-up boost Asante Kotoko on the African continent.

The continent will now begin to remark the Ghanaian side are gradually walking into where they belong. In the past years, it was easy to see Asante Kotoko top players not only part of national teams but led their squad in major competitions.

Mbella will be competing with hosts of household names including 2021 AFCON top scorer Vincent Aboubakar, Toko Ekambi and Moumi Ngamaleu for starting place up front. The Ghana Premier League top scorer with 19 goals is expected to learn from Aboubakar and Ekambi and hopeful to lead the lines in the future.

Mbella joined Asante Kotoko at the beginning of the 2021/22 season after completing a 3-year undisclosed fee from Cameroonian side AS Fortuna de Mfou.

After shining in his first season in Ghana, earning him a call-up into the senior national team, Asante Kotoko have established smooth connection with Cameroonian football. Cameroon football authority may recognised Asante Kotoko as important source of developing their talents which they will facilitate the transfers and maintain communication of subsequent Cameroonian nationals into Ghana.

In subsequent transfers, more Cameroonian stars may want to join Asante Kotoko since players will value the Ghanaian giants the gateway to senior national team football. Seasons in and out, many Cameroonian local stars hope to move abroad in bid to play for the Indomitable Lions.

Asante Kotoko will now be seen in Cameroonian soil as a team to get a national team call-up. Unsurprisingly, many Cameroonian Internationals have been linked with a move to Asante Kotoko following the flourish of Mbella and Mfegue.

Mbella’s call-up will also increase his transfer value ahead of any move to Europe in summer. The 20-year may spark transfer war among Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, St. Etienne, Metz and others. Mbella is valued around 800-1M Dollars but a it’s understood Asante Kotoko have placed a 1.5 asking price on their prize asset ahead of summer move.

The call-up could see Kotoko earning not less than the 1-5M Dollars for Mbella’s departure. They could have get less of the asking price if he had not been called by Cameroon.

Mfegue, 24, has been the second best player at Kotoko so far. Mbella’s compatriot has a double figure stats at Kotoko and could only improve next season.

Many Cameroon players are ready wasting no time to move to Kumasi if a bid is submitted at the end of the season. Kotoko rivals Hearts of Oak are close to securing a move for Elite One Group A top scorer Kaaba Junior ahead of next season. Kaaba has also been called at Cameroon local level in preparations for CHAN competition.

Cameroon full squad for Kenya and Burundi games