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Montreal Impact’s Oyongo impresses as Cameroon win 2017 African Cup of Nations

By Rohit Menon

Nov 6, 2016; Harrison, NJ, USA; Montreal Impact defender Ambroise Oyongo (2) cheers the New York Red Bulls fans after the game against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Montreal won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Harrison, NJ, USA; Montreal Impact defender Ambroise Oyongo (2) cheers the New York Red Bulls fans after the game against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Montreal won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Montreal Impact left-back Ambroise Oyongo’s consistent performances helped Cameroon clinch the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Ambroise Oyongo will be entering the 2017 MLS season with an extra spark after winning the 2017 African Cup of Nations with Cameroon. The 25-year-old Montreal Impact left-back was a constant presence in the Indomitable Lions’ run to their fifth triumph at the biennial tournament and their first one since 2002.

This continues a whirlwind couple of years for Oyongo, which has seen him get involved in quite a bit of controversy (after being traded to Impact from previous owners New York Red Bulls in the 2015 off-season) before establishing himself as one of Major League Soccer’s premier defensive options.

Oyongo played every minute of unlikely triumph

Ambroise Oyongo didn’t register a single assist or goal at the tournament, but he will be proud of his efforts nonetheless. The Impact defender played every minute of every match for the Indomitable Lions including the final. Picking up just one yellow card whilst showcasing his undeniable talent to the world and in-turn establishing himself as one of the most influential members of the African side.

Considering that seven players including the likes of Liverpool’s Joel Matip and West Brom’s Allan Nyom pulled out of the squad ahead of opening day, Cameroon were not fancied to win Africa’s premier tournament. However, a sense of togetherness and commitment among a relatively inexperienced squad meant that they were able to overcome the odds and win their first title in 15 years.

Nov 22, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact defender Ambroise Oyongo (2) plays the ball against the Toronto FC during the second half in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact defender Ambroise Oyongo (2) plays the ball against the Toronto FC during the second half in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Head coach Hugo Broos setup his side to not leak goals and it really showed in their tournament statistics – Cameroon conceded only four goals in six matches and kept three clean sheets in the process. This allowed the team to express themselves in attack although they only started converting their chances later on in the tournament. Winning just one game in the group stages (2-1 vs Guinea Bassau) and drawing two on their way to a quarter-final clash against Senegal.

The clash against Senegal was a dull 0-0 draw which required penalties to decide a winner, with Cameroon eventually clinching the victory 4-5 courtesy a Sadio Mane penalty miss right at the end. They went on to beat Ghana convincingly 2-0 in the semis and followed it up with 1-2 comeback win against Egypt, in a performance that showcased their grit and commitment to the cause.

Next: Check out Montreal Impact's 2017 MLS SuperDraft activity

What next for Oyongo?

On the back of a mildly successful season with Montreal Impact in 2016 which saw them lose the East Conference finals and now an AFCON winner, Oyongo has been gaining a lot of attention from clubs around the world.

The most recent rumors linked him with French second division side Troyes and another club in Turkey, but it’s more likely that he will stick around at the Stade Saputo for at least another season, when his contract expires.

This means that Impact risk losing him for free if they don’t tie him down to a new deal anytime soon and judging by how well the Cameroonian has done for himself since joining the club, it could be a decision they could eventually regret. Look forward to another huge season from the left-back, who is steadily establishing himself as one of the elite players in North American soccer.

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