Two of the Union’s own are poised to make an impact in the African Federation Cup Of Nations which is set to kick off this Sunday! Olivier Mbaizo is with Cameroon, and Jamiro Monteiro is with Cape Verde for this historic tournament. Could these Union boys ball out and help their nations go on a run or possibly lift some silverware?
Mbaizo and Monteiro ready for AFCON
Both Mbaizo and Monteiro have been important parts of their national teams. Mbaizo helped Cameroon get to the next round of World Cup Qualifying. Monteiro has been the spark that makes Cape Verde go; unfortunately, they did not make it to the next round of World Cup Qualifying as they fell just short.
Both will be playing in Group A, and looking to advance to the knockout rounds. Could Mbaizo and Monteiro make the most at this tournament? Will this tournament be a jumping point for these two players who have already started promising international careers?
Mbaizo looks to help hosts Cameroon
Mbaizo and Cameroon are the host nation at this tournament. They are the only team out of the 24 to have an automatic bid to the 2022 AFCON. With that being said they still took place in qualifying matches and won Group F in a qualifying tournament. They’ll be looking to get out of Group A, and they should be seen as the favorites. Cameroon has won six, drawn two, and lost two in their last 10 matches dating back to March of 2021. The Union’s breakout right back from 2021 has been in and out of the starting lineup.
Oliver has featured in seven of the last 10 matches for Cameroon. He’s played both outside back, and in a pinch centerback for the Indomitable Lions. His addition could prove a vital one as they are hoping to stay solid. In their last ten Cameroon has only given up six goals, and those goals were conceded in three matches from the 10; the other seven were clean sheets.
Should Mbaizo be able to show well, his value will likely rise. This is a tournament that is usually highly scouted by top leagues in the world. If Mbaizo plays well, and Cameroon makes a run in the knockouts, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ernst Tanner gets flooded with inquires into the services of Mbaizo.
Monteiro looks to help Cape Verde make a run
Jamiro Monteiro is a very skilled player. He and his nation Cape Verde will look to make a run at this AFCON 2022. They qualified for this tournament as runners-up in Group F, finishing one point behind automatically-qualified Cameroon! They were rewarded with a placement in a Group A to face off against Cameroon once again. Jamiro played in all eight of Cape Verde’s matches in 2021, as the nation won five, drew two, and lost just once.
While this is a small nation, they should be able to get out of this group. While four third-place teams make it out, I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish second in their group. While their defense has allowed seven goals in their last eight matches, Cape Verde scored 12. They’ve scored in every match in 2021, and seem to be more focused on their attack.
If Jamiro is the one pulling those strings in the center of the pitch and can compete in what will be their hardest game in the group against hosts Cameroon, then Cape Verde may just be on their way to a knockout round run. It will also mean that more eyes will be on the crafty midfielder. Could he also be a player that gets a plethora of offers if he balls out?
AFCON kicks off this Sunday
24 nations, six groups, start players from around the world; this is what AFCON 2022 has to offer! Don’t miss out on this action to potentially see the Union’s African stars put their names up with some of the best players in the world. 16 teams make the knockout rounds, so the top two sides from each group and the four best third-place teams will make it. Will Mbaizo and Monteiro be among the players fighting for the trophy?
You can catch the action on BeIn sports here in the United States. Unfortunately, that’s the only way to watch these matches, if you have that channel don’t miss out on the opportunity to tune in to this historic tournament! We’ll have more coverage on AFCON 2022 as it unfolds!
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