David Pagou's new era with the Indomitable Lions is taking an increasingly clear shape. For the upcoming AFCON qualifying fixtures, the Cameroonian head coach has unveiled a squad of 26 players that is largely rejuvenated, marked by several major absences. The most symbolic remains that of André Onana.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper, who is playing this season at Trabzonspor in Turkey as part of a new loan from Manchester United, does not feature in the group selected by Pagou. Having already spent the 2025-2026 season in Turkey, Onana will continue his adventure with the Turkish club, while his absence from the national team stands as one of the bold choices in this new list.
A selection turned towards youth
Pagou did not stop at leaving Onana out. Several usual key players also disappear from the list, including:
- Vincent Aboubakar
- Choupo-Moting
- Christopher Wooh
- Nouhou Tolo
- Zambo Anguissa
- N'Koudou
Carlos Baleba, meanwhile, is absent due to a physical issue.
Conversely, the head coach has widely opened the door to the new generation. Bill Nsongo, a 21-year-old defender playing at Deportivo La Coruña, is among the new faces called up. Angel Yondjo, Christian Kofane and Junior Samuel Kotto also illustrate this renewal of the group.
Onana's status called into question
The absence of the Trabzonspor goalkeeper inevitably raises a question about the hierarchy in the Cameroonian goal. Pagou has chosen to call up Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Blondy Nna Noukeu and Émile Merlin Lako Wendeu, without turning to one of the national team's most experienced goalkeepers.
For Onana, this situation represents a new signal. His international experience remains significant, but the new head coach now appears to favour a gradual rebuild around younger players.
Cameroon will face the Comoros on 24 September in Garoua, before travelling to face Congo on 29 September. These two fixtures will allow the first effects of Pagou's choices to be measured.
One thing is now clear: among the Indomitable Lions, past status no longer guarantees a place.
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