The preparation of Cameroon for the next one African Cup of Nations is in an institutional crisis characterized by a power struggle that threatens to destabilize the national team. As reported The sunthe conflict intensified after the exclusion of Vincent Aboubakar of the official call, a decision that has sparked controversy because the striker is only 12 goals equals the all-time record of notes from Samuel Eto’ocurrent president of the Cameroon Football Association (Fecafoot), which would have led to his removal from the list.
In the latest part of this dispute, Belgian coach Marc Brys, who was fired by the federation, assured that he would continue to lead the team, arguing that the sports ministry responsible for his appointment had not formalized his removal. The DT provided the ministry with his own list of those summoned for the Afcon, including both of them Aboubakar like the archer Andre Onanain open contradiction to the payroll published by Fecafoot under the leadership of Interim David Pagou. This situation has resulted in Cameroon operating under the de facto leadership of two technical teams at the same time, plunging the team into unprecedented uncertainty.
The controversy surrounding Aboubakar’s absence surprised fans, the striker added 45 goals in 117 gameswhile Eto’o holds the record with 56 Goals in 118 games. Sources cited by The sun They claim that the former Barcelona striker directly influenced the decision to drop the Cameroonian attacker because he feared his historic record could be surpassed. The association consulted by British media has not commented on the matter.
“How can a tournament like this be played without a world-class goalkeeper or without Aboubakar? They are players with character who stand up to the president.”Coach Brys said in statements collected from RMC.
Onana’s exclusion was not unexpected for observers given the tensions between the goalkeeper and Eto’o in the past. The appointment of David Pagou as interim coach following the dismissal of Brys for alleged “insubordination” and “incitement of players” against the association led to the publication of a squad list that omitted several iconic figures, exacerbating unrest in the Cameroonian football environment.
Accordingly The sunRepresentatives of the government and Fecafoot met to try to resolve the conflict and protect the interests of the national team.
The confrontation between Brys and Eto’o dates back to April 2024, when the Belgian coach took charge of the team. Since then, the relationship has been characterized by disagreements and episodes of tension. In May this year, Eto’o appointed an alternative coaching staff led by Martin Ntoungou Mpilewhich showed that the division is at the top of Cameroonian football. In October, a temporary agreement between the Ministry of Sports and Fecafoot allowed Brys to continue acting as a coach, accompanied by local technicians suggested by the federation.
The institutional instability has already had sporting consequences: Cameroon was excluded from the next World Cup after being overtaken Cape Verde in the classification. Now the internal rift threatens to jeopardize the team’s performance in the Afcon, in a context where uncertainty remains over the legitimate authority and final composition of the squad a few days before the end of official registration.
In this regard, the Indomitable Lions will be part of Group E of the competition along with Ivory Coast, Gabon and Mozambique. He will make his debut on December 24th at the Agadir Stadium against the Gabonese.
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