Cameroon's new coach has defended his decision to leave out Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar as part of a fresh strategy for AFCON 2025.
Cameroon’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been engulfed in unprecedented chaos due to a major power struggle between the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), led by Samuel Eto'o, and the Ministry of Sports.
This administrative infighting has resulted in two separate competing squads and two different coaches claiming authority, throwing the team's entire tournament campaign into jeopardy just days before the event.
Marc Brys, a Belgian coach, was appointed by the Ministry of Sports and maintains that he is still the legitimate head coach, under contract until late 2026.
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He argues that only the Ministry of Sports has the authority to dismiss him. Brys has publicly described Eto'o as ‘narcissistic’ and claims Samuel Eto'o was trying to force him out from the start.
This conflict has led to the humiliating spectacle of two different 28-man AFCON squads being announced by the two opposing coaching authorities, leaving players and fans in total confusion.
Cameroon Coach Breaks Silence on Omission of Andre Onana, Vincent Aboubakar
New Cameroon coach David Pagou has since explained the reason behind the omission of the two notable players, goalkeeper Andre Onana, and top striker Vincent Aboubakar.
The decision to drop Vincent Aboubakar is particularly notable. The veteran was the top scorer at the 2022 AFCON with an impressive eight goals, leading host nation Cameroon to a third-place finish.
His tally was just one short of the all-time tournament record set by Congolese forward Ndaye Mulamba in 1974. However, new Cameroon coach David Pagou has opted for a fresh approach.
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"We wanted to do things differently," Pagou explained as quoted by NDTV Sports. "They are good players, but we set our sights on others to create a different mindset."
Now, all eyes will be on Bryan Mbeumo as the top striker as he also captains the team. His leadership will be crucial in lifting a squad suffering from low morale after failing to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Missing out to group winners Cape Verde was a significant blow for Cameroon, who hold the African record with eight World Cup appearances.
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Mbeumo, after representing France at youth levels, he switched his international allegiance to Cameroon, with his career highlight being his participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Since his move to Manchester United, Bryan Mbeumo has scored six goals, including a brace in a 4-2 home win against Brighton and he will be expected to propel Cameroon to top honours.