AFCON 2025: Onana, Aboubakar and others omitted from Cameroon final squad

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco amid chaos, following the dramatic dismissal of head coach Marc Brys and the shock omission of several star players, including Andre Onana and captain Vincent Aboubakar.

Brys Sacked Amid “Subterfuge” Allegations

Days after Samuel Eto’o was emphatically re-elected as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), the executive committee announced Brys’ dismissal, accusing him of:

• “Professional failure” and inciting players to defy Fecafoot.


• Collaborating with “unknown individuals” within the federation.


• Failing to attend meetings, disclose training programmes, or release squad lists on time.


• Jeopardising sponsor relations and evading press obligations.

Key Omissions from Pagou’s Squad

Pagou’s 28-man squad is missing several high-profile names:

• Andre Onana (GK, Trabzonspor/Manchester United) – 59 caps, but a history of disputes with Fecafoot.


• Vincent Aboubakar (Captain, Neftci Baku) – Cameroon’s talismanic striker.


• Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli) – ruled out with a hamstring injury.


• Michael Ngadeu (Defender) – no explanation given for his absence.


• Martin Hongla & Jackson Tchatchoua – also omitted.

Onana’s Rocky International Journey

Onana’s exclusion raises questions about his future with Cameroon:

• Sent home early from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after disciplinary issues.


• Arrived late to the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, losing his starting spot after a poor performance against Senegal.


• Recently regained his No.1 role under Brys, starting in the World Cup play-off defeat to DR Congo.


• Now left out entirely, despite Cameroon naming four other goalkeepers.

Since taking charge in 2021, Eto’o’s tenure has been marked by:

• Frequent coaching changes (Toni Conceicao, Rigobert Song, Marc Brys).


• Clashes with the sports ministry over managerial appointments.


• Ongoing scandals and opposition from local football stakeholders.

“It’s difficult to see how a new manager will be able to put together a playing system… and play as a unit.”

AFCON Group F Challenge

Cameroon face a daunting group in Morocco:

• Ivory Coast (defending champions).


• Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.


• Mozambique, an emerging force in African football.

Outlook

Onana’s omission may signal the end of his international career, while Eto’o’s hardline approach continues to polarize opinion. Cameroon’s AFCON campaign will test not only their squad depth but also the federation’s ability to manage internal crises on the eve of a major tournament.