Manchester United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana will not be representing Cameroon at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The 29-year-old, currently on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor for the 2025/26 season, was omitted from the 28-player roster announced by the Cameroon Football Federation (CFF) ahead of the tournament starting December 21, 2025.

Onana’s Current Season Performance

During his loan spell in the Turkish Süper Lig, Onana has featured in 10 league matches, securing three clean sheets while conceding 11 goals. Despite his steady performances, his exclusion from the national team has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

Notable Absences Shake Up Cameroon’s Lineup

Onana is not the only prominent player left out of the squad. The CFF also excluded key figures such as:

• Vincent Aboubakar – Cameroon’s captain and top scorer at AFCON 2023
• André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – Midfielder currently with Napoli
• Michael Ngadeu – Veteran defender with extensive international experience

While Anguissa’s injury has been cited as a reason for his absence, the federation has remained silent on the rationale behind leaving out Aboubakar and Ngadeu, fueling speculation and debate.

Coaching Shake-Up Coincides with Squad Announcement

Adding to the turmoil, the CFF dismissed head coach Marc Brys on the very day the AFCON squad was revealed. Brys, a Belgian national, faced several allegations including:

• Encouraging senior players to challenge federation authority
• Missing official federation meetings
• Withholding training schedules from officials
• Damaging relationships with key sponsors
• Delays in submitting squad lists

Following his departure, assistant coach David Pagou, a seasoned Cameroonian tactician, has been appointed as the interim head coach to steer the team through the tournament.

Fan Backlash and Accusations of Political Interference

The exclusion of Onana and Aboubakar has ignited widespread criticism from Cameroonian supporters, many of whom have directed their frustration towards CFF president Samuel Eto’o. Online discussions highlight concerns that:

• The team’s strength has been compromised by sidelining experienced leaders
• Decisions are being influenced by internal politics and personal egos rather than merit
• The timing of these changes risks destabilizing the squad ahead of a major competition

Conversely, some fans believe that these bold moves could serve as a catalyst for rejuvenating the national team, potentially paving the way for emerging talents to shine.

Among the attacking options, Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has been retained, offering a promising offensive presence for Cameroon at AFCON 2025.

Uncertain Future for Onana at Manchester United

Onana’s omission from the national squad coincides with ongoing doubts about his role at Manchester United. English media outlets have reported that the club may consider transferring him permanently in the summer transfer window, following a challenging period at Old Trafford and increased competition for the starting goalkeeper position.