When Cameroon face DR Congo this evening in Rabat for a place in the final playoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, one of the biggest storylines will centre around Nicolas Moumi Brice Ngamaleu and the man who once launched his career, Sbastien Desabre.
More than a decade ago, Desabre was head coach at Coton Sport of Garoua when he handed a young Ngamaleu his professional debut. Under his guidance, the promising winger began to shape his game developing the pace, discipline and intelligence that would later take him to Europe.
Today, football has brought them back together, this time as rivals. Desabre now leads DR Congo, while Ngamaleu, a key figure for Dynamo Moscow, carries Cameroons hopes of reaching the World Cup.
Ngamaleu missed Cameroons last match against Angola through injury a game in which the Indomitable Lions struggled to find rhythm and creativity. But he returns fully fit and in fine form, having scored and assisted in Dynamos recent World League fixture against Manchester Island.
Its emotional for Moumi, said a member of Cameroons technical staff. Desabre gave him his first chance, but this is football there are no favours on the pitch.
Cameroons historical dominance over DR Congo adds extra spice to the clash. The Lions have had the upper hand in previous meetings, but this time they are far from full strength.
Key players Andr-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are both sidelined with injuries. Danny Namaso is also unavailable, while goalkeeper Andr Onana remains doubtful.
If Onana does not recover in time, Simon Omossola could once again be called upon another product of Coton Sport during Desabres era. The young goalkeeper, once a prospect learning under the French coach in Garoua, could now stand in his way on the biggest stage.
The match carries emotion, history and intrigue. It is mentor versus protg, teacher versus student both driven by the same ambition to reach the World Cup.
Cameroons experience and pedigree may count in their favour, but Desabres Leopards have shown consistency and tactical balance throughout the qualifiers.
Head-to-head
Cameroon have won six of their last nine meetings with DR Congo, drawing two and losing just once. Their most recent encounter came in January 2024, when the Indomitable Lions triumphed 2-0 in a friendly in Yaound.
The Leopards only competitive win over Cameroon in the last three decades dates back to 2006, when they edged a 1-0 victory in Kinshasa during World Cup qualifying.
The winner will advance to face either Nigeria or Gabon in the final playoff, just one step away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Ngamaleu, tonight is more than just a football match. It is a test of maturity and perhaps the perfect moment to show the coach who first believed in him just how far he has come.