Cameroon Drop Onana and Appoint New Coach for Africa Cup of Nations

Cameroon have left out goalkeeper Andre Onana from their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins this month in Morocco. The team will also have a new coach after David Pagou was named to replace Belgian manager Marc Brys.

Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor from Manchester United, is one of several senior players not selected. Striker Vincent Aboubakar, who has been a key figure in the national team for about 15 years, was also dropped. The changes follow Cameroon’s disappointment after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the exclusions, the squad includes Manchester United winger Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The decision to replace Brys is not surprising. Football federation president Samuel Eto’o has openly disagreed with Brys’s appointment since it was made by the sports ministry in April 2024. After winning another term as federation president last weekend, Eto’o moved quickly to install 56-year-old Pagou as the new coach. Pagou, who has experience managing clubs in Cameroon’s domestic league, will work alongside assistant Martin Ntoungou Mpile.

Cameroon will begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Group F with a match against Gabon in Agadir on 24 December. They will also face defending champions Ivory Coast and Mozambique in the group stage.

Cameroon Squad for AFCON

Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy, Simon Omossola, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Edouard Sombang

Defenders: Samuel Kotto, Gerzino Nyamsi, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nouhou Tolo, Flavien Enzo Boyomo, Mahamadou Nagida, Christopher Wooh, Junior Tchamadeu, Darlin Yongwa

Midfielders: Martin Ndzie, Carlos Baleba, Arthur Avom, Eric-Junior Dina Ebimbe, Brice Ambina, Jean Junior Onana, Olivier Kemen

Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Bassogog, George-Kevin N’Koudou, Danny Namaso, Frank Magri, Karl Etta Eyong, Christian Kofane, Patrick Soko