Cameroon Drop Onana and Aboubakar from AFCON 2025 Squad

Cameroon have omitted goalkeeper André Onana and captain Vincent Aboubakar from their 28-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) confirmed on Monday.

The Indomitable Lions will defend their title in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, but will do so without two of their most experienced players. Onana, 29, who plays for Manchester United, and 33-year-old striker Aboubakar, currently with Hatayspor, were both left out of the list released by the technical staff.

No official explanation has been provided for the exclusions. The decisions come during a period of significant upheaval within the federation. Last month, Belgian coach Marc Brys was dismissed following disagreements with FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o over team selection and training camp organisation.

The squad also sees the absence of several established names, including Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and veteran forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The federation stated that the final 23-man roster will be confirmed in the coming weeks after a training camp in Garoua.

Cameroon are drawn in Group F alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. The five-time champions begin their campaign on 22 December against Mozambique in Tangier.