Softfootball understands that Cameroon begins its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations story with a Group F assembly in opposition to Gabon on Wednesday, December 24, in Agadir. It’s a well-known fixture, however the feeling round this Cameroon facet isn’t fairly what it was.
There was a time when Cameroon turned as much as AFCON and everybody else adjusted accordingly. That point feels a bit of distant now. Cameroon posted a video of their gamers coaching forward of the sport through their official X account.
Watch the video under:
The Indomitable Lions are coming into this event off the again of a tough spell, highlighted by their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, dropping 1-0 to DR Congo within the semi-final of the playoff.
For a nation that holds Africa’s file with eight World Cup appearances, lacking out once more hurts, and followers haven’t actually moved on from it.
Nonetheless, tournaments have a humorous method of adjusting narratives. David Pagou’s crew did qualify for AFCON by topping their group unbeaten, and that shouldn’t be ignored. However targets have been an issue.
Cameroon failed to attain in every of their final two matches, and the resolution to depart out veteran striker and former captain Vincent Aboubakar raised various eyebrows. Previously, ending wasn’t a difficulty; names like Roger Milla, Patrick Mboma, and Samuel Eto’o made certain of that. As of late, it feels much less sure.
Gabon arrive with far much less noise round them, and perhaps that fits them simply advantageous. Labelled darkish horses, the Panthers might be seeking to enhance on their quarter-final runs in 1996 and 2012.
Their latest type suggests they’re no straightforward out. Thierry Mouyouma’s facet hasn’t misplaced in regulation time of their final six video games, together with a 1-1 draw with Nigeria. They defend effectively, keep compact, after which look forward to moments to disrupt.
The final assembly between these two ended goalless, and with each side sharing two wins throughout their final 5 clashes, one other tight opener wouldn’t shock many.
Group Information
Cameroon has a full squad to select from, led now by newly appointed captain Bryan Mbeumo. The Manchester United ahead carries rather a lot on his shoulders, particularly with out Aboubakar round.
Pagou additionally made a daring name, leaving Andre Onana out and handing the gloves to Devis Epassy, who can also be a part of the management group. Younger striker Karl Etta Eyong is available in with confidence after a powerful breakout season at Levante.
Gabon might be with out their foremost star, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who picked up a knock at Marseille. That places stress on Denis Bouanga, who loved an impressive MLS season with LAFC. Mario Lemina’s expertise in midfield might matter greater than ordinary right here.
Attainable Lineups
Cameroon:
Epassy; Tchamadeu, Wooh, Boyomo, Tolo; Onana, Baleba; Mbeumo, Dina Ebimbe, Nkoudou; Magri
Gabon:
Mbaba; Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Appindangoye, Ekomie; Ndong, Lemina; Bouanga, Kanga, Allevinah; Openda
Anticipate a cautious opening, perhaps even a sluggish one. Neither facet will wish to lose their first sport, particularly in a bunch this difficult. Cameroon may edge it on paper, however it gained’t be clean or fairly.
Prediction: Cameroon 1-0 Gabon
