PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Christian Bassogog - Why the forward missed Zambia clash

epa06049960 Christian Bassogog (R) of Cameroon and Antonio Ruediger of Germany in action during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 group B soccer match between Germany and Cameroon at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, 25 June 2017. EPA/ARMANDO BABANI

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday Nov 14, 2017. 19:00

The forward was a noticeable absentee in the Cameroon attack as the Indomitable Lions locked horns with Zambia on Saturday.

Chipolopolo hosted Cameroon in the final 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification (CAF) Group B match which was played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The encounter was deemed a dead rubber as the two African giants had already been eliminated from World Cup contention.

Without Bassogog, the Indomitable Lions lacked some vital creative spark and they drew 2-2 with the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions.

Vincent De Paul Atangana, the Cameroon team press officer, explained that Bassogog arrived in the Indomitable Lions camp carrying a knee injury.

The Henan Jianye forward was then ruled out of the Group B encounter and Clarence Bitang was brought in as Bassogog's replacement.

Reigning African champions Cameroon's next match is against Comoros in the 2019 AFCON qualifier which is scheduled to take place in March, 2018.

Bassogog, 22, will be nursing his injury during the off season as he awaits the 2018 Chinese Super League campaign which is expected to begin next year.