The preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been rocked by an unexpected shock: Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana has been left out of the national team squad. Equally surprising is the omission of long-serving captain Vincent Aboubakar.
The five-time AFCON champions are looking to reclaim their place atop African football after recent disappointments, including failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under the previous coach’s leadership.
The New Coach’s Bold Moves
The omission of the two star players was confirmed in the squad announced by the newly appointed head coach, David Pagou, a veteran Cameroonian football coach and physical-education teacher.
- André Onana (Trabzonspor keeper) has been a regular fixture for the Indomitable Lions in recent years, making his absence particularly stunning.
- Vincent Aboubakar, the team’s long-serving captain, was also excluded from the traveling team to Morocco.
The dramatic squad changes follow the recent dismissal of coach Marc Brys. Coach Pagou’s selections have already sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, with many interpreting the bold moves as part of a broader plan to rejuvenate the team and establish a new tactical direction ahead of the competition, which kicks off on December 21.
Attacking Boost Remains
Despite the major omissions, the squad received a significant boost with the inclusion of Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, providing a key attacking option as preparations intensify for the tournament.
Cameroon will aim to leverage their deep talent pool and Pagou’s new strategy to navigate the tournament without two of their biggest stars.
Source: Africa Publicity
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