Cameroon’s preparations for AFCON 2025 have been rocked by stunning developments, as star goalkeeper Andre Onana and captain Vincent Aboubakar have been omitted from the Indomitable Lions’ final squad for the Morocco tournament.
Onana’s exclusion comes amid a challenging period at club level, where inconsistent form and rotation have sparked doubts over his readiness for the continental showpiece. Meanwhile, Aboubakar, long regarded as the spearhead of Cameroon’s attack, will also miss the tournament, leaving fans and pundits alike stunned.
The high-profile absences occur against the backdrop of a major upheaval in the Cameroonian camp. FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o has dismissed head coach Marc Brys, appointing David Pagou as his successor, while Martin Ndtoungou Mpile assumes the role of Technical Director following a power struggle with the Ministry of Sports.
Several other notable players were also left out of the squad, fueling speculation that selection decisions have been influenced as much by politics and allegiances as by tactical considerations.
As Cameroon prepare to navigate a formidable AFCON group that includes heavyweights like Côte d’Ivoire, questions loom over whether this new-look squad, bereft of some of its most seasoned leaders, can withstand both on-field pressures and off-field turbulence.
