Cameroon has undergone a significant change in its football leadership, with the dismissal of coach Marc Brys and the appointment of David Pagou. This development comes ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to commence on December 21 in Morocco. Pagou, an experienced coach in the Cameroon league, has been tasked with leading the team through the tournament.
The decision to replace Brys was reportedly influenced by a series of grievances, including claims of subterfuge and insubordination, published by the Cameroon soccer federation. Brys’s tenure was marked by a disappointing loss in the African qualifying playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, where the team was defeated 1-0 by Congo.
In his first major decision, Pagou has dropped captain Vincent Aboubakar and goalkeeper André Onana from the squad. Aboubakar, a seasoned player with 45 national team goals, is the second-highest goalscorer in Cameroon’s history, behind Samuel Eto’o’s 56 goals. Onana, currently on loan from Manchester United to Trabzonspor in the Turkish league, will also not be part of the team.
The 28-player squad announced by Pagou includes Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo. Cameroon is set to begin its group stage campaign on December 24 against Gabon, with defending champions Ivory Coast and Mozambique also in the group.
The change in leadership and squad composition may have significant implications for Cameroon’s performance in the Africa Cup of Nations. With the tournament approaching, the team will need to adapt quickly to Pagou’s strategy and work together to achieve a successful outcome. As one of the top contenders in the competition, Cameroon’s progress will be closely watched by football fans across the continent.
The Africa Cup of Nations is a premier international football tournament, showcasing the best of African football talent. This year’s edition is expected to be highly competitive, with several strong teams vying for the top prize. As the tournament unfolds, Cameroon’s new coach and squad will be under scrutiny, with their performances likely to have a lasting impact on the team’s reputation and future prospects.