Onana Left Out of Cameroon’s AFCON Squad

Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana has been dramatically excluded from the Indomitable Lions squad for the upcoming AFCON 2025, following sweeping changes introduced by newly appointed head coach David Pagou.

Coach Pagou, who replaced Marc Brys after the federation leadership shake-up under Samuel Eto’o, announced a refreshed 28-man squad that notably drops two of the team’s biggest stars — Onana and captain Vincent Aboubakar. The decision marks one of the most significant overhauls in recent years.

Despite being one of Africa’s most high-profile goalkeepers and currently on loan at Trabzonspor from Manchester United, Onana was not included among the four goalkeepers selected for the tournament. Instead, Pagou opted for Devis Epassy, Simon Omossola, Simon Ngapandouetnbu and one other rising talent.

The omission has triggered widespread debate across Cameroon and the football community, with many describing it as a “strong statement” from the new coach.

Analysts believe the decision reflects Pagou’s intention to rebuild the squad, instill discipline, and establish a new team identity ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

Onana’s exclusion comes after previous tensions between the goalkeeper and team management during the 2022 World Cup and earlier AFCON preparations, though the federation has not publicly linked the latest decision to past issues.

With AFCON kicking off soon, all eyes will be on Cameroon to see whether Pagou’s bold selections will reinvigorate the five-time African champions or create further controversy within the camp.