The Indomitable pride: Ebimbe likens Cameroon to global powerhouses

Cameroon midfielder Éric Junior Dina Ebimbe has likened the pedigree of the national team to that of global footballing powerhouses, expressing unwavering confidence in the future of the Indomitable Lions.

The 25-year-old compared the five-time African champions to the likes of France and Brazil, insisting that the national team remains the pinnacle of the continent. In a recent interview quoted by Footmercato, Ebimbe—who is currently on loan at Stade Brestois—offered a passionate defence of the team’s status and potential.

Ebimbe Reflects on the Indomitable Lions’ Pedigree

Reflecting on the historical weight of the Cameroon jersey, Ebimbe suggested that being part of the national setup is a unique privilege that many players in other nations never experience. catcrossgame.com

“Cameroon is the best African nation; there’s nothing better. Historically, Cameroon in Africa is the equivalent of France in Europe or Brazil and Argentina in South America,” Ebimbe asserted.

“Some players represent national teams that don’t even get the chance to play in a World Cup playoff. So, it’s a privilege to be Cameroonian and to have great people around you. A summer without a World Cup? It might be ‘a blessing in disguise.’ We made it to the AFCON quarterfinals without even knowing each other properly.”

The midfielder highlighted the lack of preparation time prior to their recent continental run: “I didn’t know the guys, I’d never played with them, and I’d never even seen them. And yet, we managed to do something interesting. When we reunite at the end of 2026, it’s going to be even better, I guarantee it. We’ve got some heavy hitters coming up in the next few years. Today, the organisation is top-notch.”

Tournament Experience and Club Form

Ebimbe featured in three matches for Cameroon during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the team exited in the quarterfinals following a 2-0 defeat to the host nation.

The former France youth international has enjoyed a productive domestic season, making 26 appearances and netting five goals across all competitions. His career path has seen him move from Paris Saint-Germain, with stints at Dijon and Le Havre, before signing for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 and subsequently joining Brest on loan last year.

To date, he has earned three caps for Cameroon. Despite his optimism, the Indomitable Lions will be notable absentees from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having failed to qualify for the tournament scheduled to be staged across Mexico, Canada, and the USA.

Kaizer Chiefs striker Tashreeq Morris made a timely return to the scoresheet after finding the back of the net in only his second appearance for the club this season.

He came off the bench to score in Amakhosi’s 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon, with the result all but securing Chiefs a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

The 31-year-old has struggled to make a meaningful impact since joining Chiefs in recent seasons, spending most of the campaign on the fringes of the squad. However, after being handed a rare opportunity on Sunday, the experienced striker grabbed it with both hands.

Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef praised the club’s backroom staff for keeping Morris motivated and prepared despite his limited game time.

Chiefs striker finally gets a goal

“I think I have to say thank you and congratulations to the fitness coaches, coach Dillon and Nathi. There are people working behind the scenes,” said Youssef as per Soccer Laduma.

“Morris was out of the squad for many games, but when the team needed him, he was ready.

“He was out of the squad, Vilakazi was out of the squad, and they came in and delivered very good performances today. I want to thank the people working behind the scenes and preparing the players.”

Youssef also highlighted the importance of professionalism and staying prepared throughout the season.

“I always say to the players we are like a military team whenever the team needs you, you have to be ready at any time,” he added.

While it may be too early to say Morris has revived his Chiefs career, his goal could prove to be a major boost to his confidence heading into the final stages of the campaign.

Should Morris stay at the club?

Legendary former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has jumped to the defence of former head coach Otto Addo, highlighting the tactician’s significant contributions to the national team despite his recent departure.

The services of the former Borussia Dortmund forward were dispensed with by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the Black Stars’ disappointing back-to-back friendly defeats against Austria and Germany in March. The German-trained coach has since been replaced by the experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz, who is tasked with leading the team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Asamoah Gyan Reflects on Addo’s Tenure

Speaking in a candid interview with Channel One TV, Asamoah Gyan—the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer—offered a balanced perspective on the 50-year-old’s time in the dugout, emphasising that results do not always reflect a coach’s true quality.

“For me, he did what he had to do. The calibre of players he had, he had to use them,” Gyan noted.

The “Baby Jet” acknowledged the immense pressure Addo faced, particularly following the team’s failure to secure a spot in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“People were very disappointed when we didn’t qualify for the AFCON. So that mark was already there, and it got to a time when the friendly games were also part of it; we weren’t getting the results that we should get,” Gyan explained. “It happens everywhere. You can be the best coach in the world, but when results are not coming the way people want, they [the FA] can make a decision. It doesn’t mean you are a bad coach.”

Crucially, Gyan reminded critics of Addo’s ultimate achievement: “Although we didn’t qualify for the AFCON, he was able to qualify the team for the World Cup.”

The Road to the 2026 World Cup

As the Black Stars transition into a new era, Carlos Queiroz is preparing for his first assignment at the helm. Ghana is scheduled to take on Mexico in an international friendly on May 22, which will serve as a vital litmus test for the new technical setup.

The four-time African champions have been handed a formidable draw for their fifth World Cup appearance. Paired in Group L, the Black Stars will face off against Panama, Croatia, and England in what promises to be a grueling group stage in North America.

C’est fait ! Le FC Barcelone est officiellement champion de La Liga cette saison. Un sacre qui récompense une année parfaitement maîtrisée par les Blaugrana, notamment à domicile où ils ont tout simplement été injouables. Et de 29 ! En s’imposant face au Real Madrid ce 10 mai sur le score de 2-0 grâce à des buts de Marcus Rashford et Ferran Torres, le Barça a décroché le 29e championnat de son histoire. Une nouvelle preuve de la domination catalane sur le football espagnol, avec une deuxième Liga consécutive remportée. Mais cette saison, les hommes du Barça ont surtout impressionné sur leurs terres. En effet, les Blaugrana ont réalisé un véritable parcours parfait à domicile. Sur les 18 matchs disputés devant leur public, les Catalans se sont imposés à 18 reprises. Un bilan impressionnant réparti sur trois enceintes différentes : deux matchs au stade Johan Cruyff, trois au stade Olímpic Lluís Companys et treize au mythique Spotify Camp Nou. Une très belle série, notamment grâce à un public totalement acquis à sa cause, capable de faire basculer n’importe quel match à domicile. Portés par une ambiance permanente et une pression constante sur l’adversaire, les Blaugrana ont souvent trouvé dans leurs supporters l’énergie nécessaire pour hausser leur niveau et faire la différence dans les moments clés. Aucune équipe n’a donc réussi à faire tomber Barcelone à domicile cette saison. Une statistique qui symbolise parfaitement la puissance des Blaugrana, portés par une attaque redoutable et une maîtrise collective impressionnante tout au long de l’année.

L’article FC Barcelone : un sans-faute impressionnant à domicile en Liga est apparu en premier sur AfricaFootUnited.

What we learned from the 17th round of the United Rugby Championship (URC), according to MARIETTE ADAMS.

BULLS BOUNCE BACK IN STYLE

The Bulls crushed Zebre Parma 54-19 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, crossing for eight tries. Cameron Hanekom led a dominant display, while the set-piece gave their backs a firm platform throughout.

After a long spell on the sidelines through injury, Hanekom looked back to his sharpest at Loftus. He was the Bulls’ most effective carrier, making ground in tight and wide channels alike. Willie le Roux also ran the show intelligently at fly-half, making the most of the platform provided. His breakdown work added further evidence of a full recovery, and Jeandre Rudolph was equally consistent throughout. Moodie’s afternoon, meanwhile, again typified his season; brilliant one moment, costly the next, as an intercept gifted Zebre their first try.

LIONS LEAVE DUBLIN WITH VALUABLE LESSONS

Leinster ended the Lions’ six-match winning run with a 31-7 victory at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. The visitors competed hard for an hour before a late three-try collapse settled the result firmly in Dublin.

The Lions proved they can compete away from the altitude of Ellis Park, and that alone offered encouragement. Ruan Venter’s early departure on a medical cart also unsettled them further in a difficult first period. Yet their bench could not match Leinster’s depth, and that gap eventually told. Morné van den Berg’s two intercepted passes at critical stages effectively handed the defending champions control. The Lions now travel to Munster next weekend, knowing only a win keeps their top-four hopes alive.

JULIUS DELIVERS MASTERCLASS AS SHARKS STEAMROLL BENETTON

The Sharks ran in seven tries in a 46-7 demolition of Benetton at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday. Jurenzo Julius scored a hattrick, while Andre Esterhuizen again commanded the midfield with an exceptional display.

Julius stepped, swivelled and fended past three defenders in a moment that summed up the Sharks’ best showing yet. The centre finished with three tries, each showing a different facet of his considerable talent. Esterhuizen complemented him superbly, driving the attack and creating space with intelligent distribution throughout. Furthermore, Siya Kolisi’s return from injury brought an abrasive edge to the loose forwards, adding to a complete team effort. Their set-piece also dominated, with the scrum repeatedly shunting the Italians into reverse.

SACHA SHINES AS STORMERS GRAB LATE LIFELINE IN BELFAST THRILLER

A penalty try in the final seconds earned the Stormers a dramatic 38-all draw at Ulster on Friday. Referee Andrea Piardi awarded the score after Nathan Doak made high contact on Leolin Zas near the Ulster line.

Nevertheless, the draw came at a cost, as Deon Fourie left the field injured after Iain Henderson’s reckless clearout. At 39, with his contract expiring at season’s end, Fourie’s latest setback raises real questions about his future. John Dobson had targeted a win to secure a home play-off run, and that aim now depends on results elsewhere. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was again the Stormers’ standout, cutting through Ulster’s defence with conviction at flyhalf.