Cameroon : Eying Glory !

Remember Cameroon’s unforgettable 2017 AFCON triumph? The Lions did not depart as heroes but returned as heroes, lifting the prestigious trophy to the surprise of many. Some Cameroonians are feeling a glimpse of optimism, mirroring that script for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. History could repeat itself again as Cameroon, five-time champions, won its second AFCON title in Morocco (1988).
The recent months have proved rough for the national team, plagued by conflicting opinions and internal tensions. A situation that did not favour the team as it missed out on one of the tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Worse is the fact that they were held to a standstill by teams with lesser football pedigree, like Eswatini and Angola, to mention a few. These challenges culminated in the Cameroon Football Federation deciding to reshuffle the technical staff on December 1, 2025, appointing David Pagou as Head Coach. On the same day, he announced a list of 28 players that will defend the colours of the country in the continental showpiece. As five-time AFCON champions, second most crowned after Egypt (Seven trophies), Cameroon has shown signs of regression in recent years, most notably with their disappointing round-of-16 exit in the last edition. They must reignite their famed fighting spirit; “Hemle,” the raw, unyielding bravery that has defined Cameroonian football for generations; to push forward. This virtue becomes even more crucial without a star-studded squad, as Pagou left out several big names in favour of a “hungrier collective.” A relatively young...