Cameroon will head to this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a dramatically restructured squad and a new man on the touchline after a sweeping overhaul by the country’s football leadership.
In a stunning decision, the Indomitable Lions have left out goalkeeper Andre Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor from Manchester United.
The seasoned shot-stopper is among several high-profile omissions, including long-serving captain and prolific forward Vincent Aboubakar, who has led the line for over a decade and a half.
The bold changes follow Cameroon’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup, prompting renewed scrutiny of the team’s direction.
As part of the shake-up, Belgian coach Marc Brys has been relieved of his duties, with David Pagou appointed to steer the side in Morocco.
Pagou, a respected figure in Cameroonian domestic football, will work alongside assistant Martin Ntoungou Mpile.
FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o, freshly re-elected over the weekend, has openly criticised Brys’ appointment by the sports ministry in April 2024 and has repeatedly sought to install a coach of his preference.
His latest bid has succeeded, ushering in a new technical leadership just weeks before the continental showpiece.
Despite the notable exclusions, Cameroon’s AFCON squad still boasts exciting attacking flair and youthful promise.
Bryan Mbeumo, now at Manchester United, headlines the forward line, joined by Al-Okhdood winger Christian Bassogog, Al-Diriyah’s George-Kevin N’Koudou, and Bayer Leverkusen prospect Christian Kofane.
Rising talents such as Danny Namaso, Frank Magri, Karl Etta Eyong, and Patrick Soko complete the offensive unit.
In midfield, Brighton sensation Carlos Baleba features prominently, supported by Rapid Vienna’s Martin Ndzie, Brest’s Eric-Junior Dina Ebimbe, and Valerenga’s Brice Ambina. Genoa’s Jean Junior Onana, Istanbul BB’s Olivier Kemen, and Lorient’s Arthur Avom round out a combative and athletic central group.
The defensive setup blends experience and versatility, with Lokomotiv Moscow’s Gerzino Nyamsi, Gent’s Samuel Kotto, and Spartak Moscow’s Christopher Wooh anchoring the back line.
Seattle Sounders stalwart Nouhou Tolo, Osasuna’s Flavien Boyomo, and Stoke City full-back Junior Tchamadeu add dynamism to Cameroon’s rearguard.
Between the sticks, the responsibility shifts to Devis Epassy of Dinamo Bucharest, St Eloi Lupopo’s Simon Omossola, Montpellier keeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu, and Colombe du Dja’s Edouard Sombang, all competing to secure the No.1 role vacated by Onana.
Cameroon will kick off their Group F campaign on December 24 against Gabon in Agadir. They will later battle defending champions Ivory Coast and a spirited Mozambique side in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most fiercely contested pools.
