Cameroon’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations took a dramatic turn on Monday as newly appointed head coach, David Pagou, left out star goalkeeper André Onana from his final squad for the tournament in Morocco.
Onana, currently with Turkish side Trabzonspor, has been a consistent figure in the Indomitable Lions set-up for years, making his omission one of the biggest talking points ahead of the competition which begins on December 21.
Long-serving captain Vincent Aboubakar was also excluded, signaling what many observers believe is a sweeping rebuild under Pagou, who replaced Marc Brys after Cameroon failed to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While the decision has sparked widespread debate among supporters and pundits, Pagou appears determined to reshape the national team’s identity.
The seasoned coach — known for his background in football development and physical education — is believed to be prioritizing discipline, form, and long-term planning.
Despite the high-profile omissions, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has been included, offering fresh attacking quality as Cameroon targets a strong comeback after recent underwhelming outings on the continental stage.
A five-time AFCON champion, Cameroon enters the tournament seeking redemption and renewed dominance following inconsistent performances under Brys.
Pagou’s squad overhaul has already generated intense public reaction, but many within Cameroonian football circles view it as a bold step toward building a more competitive team for the future.