Football/ Cameroon ushers in new era, omits stars for AFCON 2025
The new head coach of Cameroon, David Pagou, has unveiled a transformative squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, notably excluding veteran captain Vincent Aboubakar, goalkeeper André Onana, and other established stars. The move signals a definitive rebuild for the Indomitable Lions following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
David Pagou, who recently replaced the dismissed Marc Brys, denied any personal vendetta behind the omissions. “These are good, mature footballers,” he stated. “A coach must make choices. We wanted to do things differently and have opted for other players to instil a new mentality.”
The clear-out extends to several other senior figures, including Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Karl Toko Ekambi, while injured Napoli midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa is also absent.
The team will instead rely on a younger core, with attackers like Bryan Mbeumo expected to lead the charge.
The tournament begins on December 21 in Morocco, where the bold selection of Cameroon gamble will be put to the test.
