Cameroon Announces AFCON Squad Amid Controversies

On Monday, Cameroon unveiled their 28-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to commence on Sunday, December 21, with tournament hosts Morocco facing Comoros. The selection notably included four goalkeepers, yet the absence of Andre Onana from the roster surprised many.

Included in the squad are United forward Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, who was previously linked to a high-profile transfer to Old Trafford during the summer. Additionally, former Tottenham Hotspur winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, now playing for Saudi Arabian side Diriyah Club, has also been called up to represent his country.

**Cameroon’s Squad for the 2025 AFCON:**

**Goalkeepers:** Devis Epassy, Simon Omossola, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Edouard Sombang
**Defenders:** Samuel Junior Kotto, Gerzino Nyamsi, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nouhou Tolo, Flavien Enzo Boyomo, Nagida Mahamadou, Junior Tchamadeu, Christopher Wooh, Darlin Yongwa
**Midfielders:** Martin Ndzie, Carlos Baleba, Arthur Avom, Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe, Fidel Brice Ambina, Danny Namaso, Christian Bassogog, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Jean Junior Onana, Olivier Kemen
**Forwards:** Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Kofane, Frank Magri, Karl Etta Eyong, Patrick Soko

In a dramatic turn of events, the Cameroon Football Federation, under the leadership of former Barcelona, Chelsea, and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o, dismissed manager Marc Brys on the same day the squad was revealed. The five-time AFCON champions have appointed David Pagou as Brys’ successor as they prepare to face Gabon in their opening match on December 24. They will also compete against Ivory Coast on December 28 and Mozambique on December 31 during the group stage.

The exclusion of Onana, who had been anticipated to be part of the squad, marks yet another setback in what has been a tumultuous season for the goalkeeper. After losing his starting position at United to Altay Bayindir due to a pre-season hamstring injury, Onana struggled to regain form, notably making errors that contributed to his team’s elimination from the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout against League Two side Grimsby Town on August 27.

Following this, Onana was transferred to Turkish club Trabzonspor in early September, coinciding with the arrival of goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Belgian side Royal Antwerp. Lammens has since become the starting goalkeeper at United. Following Onana’s departure, United head coach Ruben Amorim noted the difficulties he faced in adjusting to the pressures of playing for a club of such stature.

Amorim elaborated in September, stating, “We recognized that he needed a change. Despite his quality, the environment at the club can be overwhelming, and sometimes a change is necessary to regain form. I wish him the best; he worked diligently and contributed positively to the team.”

As United prepares to host West Ham in the league on Thursday, Lammens is expected to start in goal, while Onana, who has maintained three clean sheets in ten appearances for Trabzonspor, is set to play in the Turkish Cup against Vanspor FK on Wednesday.