By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo,
Immediate former Cameroon Indomitable Lions captain Benjamin Moukandjo, has retired from international football. The decision is contained in a communique made public on Saturday September 22.
In a press release, the striker on loan from Jiangsu Suning to Beijing Renhe in China denounced the attitude and statements of Clarence Seedorf, the newly appointed head coach of Cameroon national team.
“I became aware of my non-selection in the first list of players called for the Indomitable Lions preparatory campaign at CAN 2019 and statements of the national coach, Mr. Clarence Seedorf.
I find this approach inelegant and unfair to me,” Moukandjo stated
He added that, “Inelegant because I was not even entitled to a phone call, in my capacity as captain who led the Lions to the fifth coronation of Cameroon, in 2017, despite the contingencies that have repeatedly wanted in the shadows influence the maintenance of group cohesion. Unfair because of the argument put forward that players “exotic championships” do not deserve to be called for deficit competitiveness,”
The former Monaco, Nancy or Lorient believes that “the selection must remain open to all the talent of Cameroon and that his level and that of other players should have been first assessed in the field before taking any decision. In my soul and conscience, I decided to withdraw from the national team of Cameroon,” explain the communique.
The proud winning captain stated that, “I remain proud of years with the Indomitable Lions and thank all my teammates, and those who supported and trusted me. I withdrew, convinced in all humility, to have accomplished my mission and to have lived up to the expectations of my country. I wish my brave comrades and teammates to defend the Lions for the next AFCON, and wish them all the best for the honor of Cameroon”.
Moukandjo Benjamin is among the players who were not call-up recently for the 2019 AFCON qualifiers against Comoros. Coach Seedorf said, players playing in leagues that are not well-known are considered second choice.
As host country, Cameroon has already qualified for the 2019 AFCON. The Indomitable Lions are still playing in Group B playoffs with Morocco, Malawi and Comoros. If Cameroon finishes 1st, the 2nd will qualify for the CAN. If Cameroon finishes 2nd, 1st will qualify. If Cameroon finish 3rd or 4th, however, the 1st will be qualified and the 2nd eligible for a place of best second.
