"Self-surprised": St. Pauli striker cancels Africa Cup - FC St. Pauli’s Hountondji skips Africa Cup of Nations to aid relegation fight
FC St. Pauli striker Andréas Hountondji has pulled out of the Africa Cup of Nations, catching his club off guard. The decision comes as the Benin international recovers from a thigh injury. His withdrawal means he will remain available for the Bundesliga side during the tournament.
Meanwhile, the team prepares for a crucial home match against 1. FC Heidenheim, with several players returning from minor injuries.
Hountondji was set to join Benin for the Africa Cup of Nations, which would have ruled him out for weeks. Instead, he will stay with FC St. Pauli, though he won’t feature in the upcoming game against Heidenheim. Coach Jan Zimmermann has opted to rest him further after a mild muscular issue in his left thigh.
The club currently sits 17th in the Bundesliga with just eight points. They trail 16th-placed Heidenheim by three points, making the fixture a key battle in the relegation fight. Midfielders Jackson Irvine, Eric Smith, and defender Hauke Wahl have all recovered from minor niggles and will be available for selection.
Hountondji’s injury had already sidelined him for the previous match. While now fit enough to train, the club is taking no risks with his recovery before potential future appearances.
FC St. Pauli will face Heidenheim without their striker, despite his improved fitness. The team’s improved squad depth, with Irvine, Smith, and Wahl back, could prove vital in the relegation clash. Hountondji’s decision to skip the Africa Cup of Nations ensures he remains an option for the club in the coming weeks.
