Sunday not only brings opening day of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon, but it also has the first 2022 matches for two Philadelphia Union players. Olivier Mbaizo will be lacing the cleats for Cameroon while Jamiro Monteiro will dress for Cape Verde.
2021 saw Mbaizo emerge as a starter for the Union after the team’s longtime right back Ray Gaddis announced he was retiring for the season. However, the 24-year-old was actually first called up for Cameron back in 2020, and has made 8 appearances for the senior team. The right back has also played a crucial part in the Indomitable Lions quest in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.