Crew's Tony Tchani commits to Cameroon

Columbus Crew midfielder Tony Tchani has been called up to the Cameroon National Team for a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, ending speculation he was poised to commit to Jurgen Klinsmann's United States side.

Tchani, 26, an angular middle of the park standout, played a massive role in Columbus' MLS Cup appearance last season, drawing Klinsmann's interest.

After becoming a U.S. citizen in 2013, hopes were Tchani would enlist with the USMNT.

In January 2016, Tchani was called up for friendlies against Iceland and Canada, making his debut against the European minnows with a 70th-minute substitute appearance. Because the match was a non-competitive friendly, Tchani was able to switch allegiances.

Tchani is one of two MLS players called up to coach Hugo Broos' side, joining Montreal Impact full-back Bitolo Ambroise Oyongo.

The qualifier against South Africa takes place March 26 at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium.

GK: André Onana (Ajax); Guy Roland Ndy Assembe (Nancy); Fabrice Ondoa (Tarragona)

DF: Allan Nyom (Watford); Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille); Aurélien Chedjou (Galatasaray); Henri Bedimo (Lyon); Bitolo Ambroise Oyongo (Montreal Impact); Adolphe Teikeu (Sochaux); Sébastien Bassong (Norwich)

MF: Jonathan Ngwen II (Unisport Bafang); Stéphane Mbia (Heibei, China); Alex Song (West Ham); Franck Kom (Etoile du Sahel); Landry N'Guemo (Akishar); Dany Ndi (Sporting Dijon); Sébastien Siani (KV Oostende); Tony Tchiani (Colombus Crew); Marvin Matip (Inglostadt)

FW: Vincent Aboubakar (Porto); Christian Bekamenga (Metz); Eric Maxime Choupo Moting (Schalke); Benjamin Moukandjo (Lorient); Jacques Zoua (GFC Ajaccio); Edgard Sali (St. Gallen); Anatole Abang (New York Red Bulls); Karl Toko (Sochaux)