Cameroonian football has been thrown into fresh turmoil following a dramatic decision to exclude long-serving goalkeeper André Onana from the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This year’s AFCON kicks off in Morocco on December 21, with Cameroon drawn in Group F alongside defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and Mozambique. Their preparations, however, have been overshadowed by chaos at the top.
In a stunning development, the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) issued a strongly worded statement dismissing head coach Marc Brys, who had successfully qualified the team for the tournament. Brys was accused of subterfuge and unprofessional conduct, marking a bitter end to his tenure.
He has been swiftly replaced by David Pagou, formerly Brys’ assistant and a coach with solid experience in Cameroon’s domestic league. Pagou’s first major task was naming a 28-man provisional squad, but his list sparked major discussion after big-name omissions.
Among the headline absences is Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor. Despite being one of the country’s most prominent players, Onana was left out of the team, continuing a long-running saga linked to his strained relationship with former coach Rigobert Song.
Also missing is Napoli star Franck Zambo Anguissa, who was ruled out through injury—the same issue that kept him sidelined for Cameroon’s 1–0 loss to DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Playoff.
Onana, meanwhile, is enduring a mixed season in Turkey, having played 10 games, conceded 11 goals, and kept 3 clean sheets for Trabzonspor after a difficult two-year spell at Manchester United.
Despite the chaos, Cameroon still boasts a competitive squad. Bryan Mbeumo, formerly of Manchester United, received a call-up, alongside rising talents like Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Scroll below for the full list of players named in Cameroon’s squad for the 2025 AFCON.
