Cameroon Opts For New Era With Bold Squad Changes And Coaching Switch For AFCON

‎Cameroon has left goalkeeper Andre Onana out of their squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

‎The team has also dropped several other veterans, including long-time striker Vincent Aboubakar.

‎In addition, David Pagou has been appointed head coach, replacing Belgian Marc Brys.

‎The changes come after Cameroon failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

‎Manchester United winger, Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba have both been included in the squad.

‎Federation president Samuel Eto’o has long been open about wanting to replace Brys, who was appointed by the sports ministry in April 2024. Eto’o had already made several attempts to remove him before now.

‎Fresh from his re-election as federation president, Eto’o has again moved to replace the Belgian coach, this time appointing 56-year-old Pagou.

‎Pagou, who has coached in Cameroon’s domestic league, will work alongside assistant Martin Ntoungou Mpile.

‎Cameroon will open its Group F campaign at the Cup of Nations against Gabon in Agadir on December 24. Their group also includes defending champions, the Ivory Coast, as well as Mozambique.

‎Cameroon squad:

‎Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy (Dinamo Bucharest), Simon Omossola (St Eloi Lupopo), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Montpellier), Edouard Sombang (Colombe Du Dja)

‎Defenders: Samuel Kotto (Gent), Gerzino Nyamsi (Lokomotiv Moscow), Jean-Charles Castelletto (Al-Duhail), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders), Flavien Enzo Boyomo (Osasuna), Mahamadou Nagida (Rennes), Christopher Wooh (Spartak Moscow), Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke City), Darlin Yongwa (FC Lorient)

‎Midfielders: Martin Ndzie (Rapid Vienna), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Arthur Avom (FC Lorient), Eric-Junior Dina Ebimbe (Brest), Brice Ambina (Valerenga), Jean Junior Onana (Genoa), Olivier Kemen (Istanbul B.B)

‎Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Christian Bassogog (Al-Okhdood), George-Kevin N’koudou (Al-Diriyah), Danny Namaso (Auxerre), Frank Magri (Toulouse), Karl Etta Eyong (Levante), Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen), Patrick Soko (Almeria)