AFCON 2025: Cameroon drop Onana, Aboubakar as Pagou unveils shock squad

Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana has been excluded from the national team squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), in what stands out as one of the biggest surprises ahead of the tournament.

The Trabzonspor goalkeeper, who has been a dependable presence for the Indomitable Lions, was left out by newly appointed head coach David Pagou.

Onana’s absence comes alongside another major omission, with long-serving captain Vincent Aboubakar also missing from the list of players travelling to Morocco for the competition.

Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, however, has been included, offering a welcome boost to Cameroon’s attacking line as preparations heighten for the tournament billed to kick off on December 21.

The squad reshuffle follows the dismissal of coach Marc Brys and the appointment of Pagou, a seasoned Cameroonian football coach and physical-education teacher whose early decisions have already stirred significant debate among supporters and analysts. Many view the changes as part of a wider strategy to rebuild the team and inject fresh dynamism into a squad seeking to rediscover its competitive edge.

Cameroon, a five-time AFCON champion, enters the tournament under pressure to reclaim its continental pedigree after recent underwhelming outings. Brys’ tenure was marked by the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.