David Pagou : Restoring the Lions’ DNA

On that fateful December 1, 2025, the news landed like a bombshell. The Cameroon Football Federation had appointed a new technical team at the helm of the Indomitable Lions, with David Pagou stepping up as Head Coach. While some doubted the choice, most who had wit- nessed his triumphs with Elite One clubs stayed calm. They were right: in just over a month, David Pagou has transformed the Lions' den, restoring the fierce fighting spirit Cameroonians had missed for years. The results are palpable on the field; Cameroon has sur- ged into the quarterfinals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), beyond all expectations, with a very young team lacking high- level experience. Even Pa- gou mirrors his novices; he too is new to AFCON. Ho- wever, he arrived prepared, having served with few ju- nior selections and as de- puty to Marc Brys, absor- bing key lessons. He clearly identified his predecessors' missteps and devised stra- tegies to correct them, which is why the team now projects such a positive image to the surprise of many, prioritizing collective glory over individualities. For a squad that had barely played together before this AFCON to achieve such re- sults speaks volumes about the rigour and determina- tion of its coach, Pagou. Mentally, the team stands upright, given the manner in which they have reacted to danger. This shows the trainer has the right words to keep his players' morale high. There is a lot of origi- nality in his play schemes. Away from the usual 4-3-3, Pagou is bringing in some- thing new; often 3-5-2. A source close to the team explains: “It’s a simple me- thod, rooted in hard work on the field; the only place where positions are earned. He speaks frankly and sin- cerely, free of hypocrisy.” On his ties with the entire staff, the sourc...