Cameroon head coach David Pagou don confirm Bryan Mbeumo as new captain of the Indomitable Lions, according to Cameroonian outlet Camfoot. Pagou announce the decision ahead of Thursday 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros in Garoua. Arthur Avom and Samuel Kotto go be Mbeumo deputies.
The Manchester United forward succeed Nouhou Tolo, who wear the armband during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Tolo no dey the latest squad, alongside some other experienced internationals. Mbeumo choose Cameroon over France for senior level in 2022 after he previously represent France youth sides. He later feature for 2022 World Cup and don become one of him country most recognisable players.
For Manchester United, Mbeumo don rarely stop delivering since he arrive from Brentford last summer. He finish him debut campaign as Manchester United joint-top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions. He produce memorable strikes against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. Him journey to Old Trafford take years. Mbeumo develop at Troyes before he move to Brentford in 2019, help the Bees reach Premier League and eventually become a 20-goal top-flight forward. Now at 27, him career don reach another landmark.
Leadership don become sensitive subject at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes quality no dey questionable. He win Premier League Player of the Season award after he inspire Michael Carrick revival last term. But the Portuguese international don face renewed scrutiny during Manchester United dreadful start to 2026/27. Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley recently describe Fernandes as looking unusually ‘flat’. Meanwhile, wider criticism centre on perceived lack of leadership and intensity throughout Carrick side. The manager himself defend Fernandes last month, dismiss suggestions that leadership responsible for Manchester United problems.
For the same Thursday fixture, Nigerian referee Abdulsalam Abiola Kasim go be centre man with the whistle for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Cameroon and Comoros. Sports247 report say CAF pick Kasim as centre referee. The Group G fixture go happen at Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon. Kasim go lead three other Nigerian referees to officiate the match. The game na part of this weekend opening series of games in PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers.
E come few days after FIFA select Kasim as one of the few African referees to handle games at this year U-17 World Cup in Qatar. There, he go carry Nigeria banner and image in absence of the once glorious Golden Eaglets. His latest appointment don generate comments on social media, as many Nigerians express enthusiasm over the emergence of another promising arbiter from the country for regular international reckoning. Bolaji Okubule, Linus Mba and Callistus Chukwujekwu enjoy that kind of reckoning years ago.
Asicus Samma write, ‘Congratulations, please represent us well.’ Akande Muritala Abiola add, ‘Congratulations, be a good ambassador.’ Mudansir Adamu recall say he also shortlisted among referees wey go officiate the U17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar.
Mbeumo, meanwhile, go walk out against Comoros carrying plenty more than Manchester United attacking expectations.
