Goalkeeper Andre Onana has suffered another crushing blow after being left out of Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The 29-year-old has endured a torrid 2025-26 season, having lost his position as Manchester United’s No. 1 before being allowed to move to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan in September.
Onana not included despite Cameroon selecting four 'keepers
Eyebrows were raised on Monday when Cameroon released their 28-man squad for AFCON, which gets under way on Sunday, 21 December when tournament hosts Morocco take on Comoros. Despite selecting four goalkeepers, Onana was a shock absentee from The Indomitable Lions’ roster.
Two players who have been included in the squad are United forward Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, who was strongly linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford in the summer. Former Tottenham Hotspur winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou – who now plays for Saudi Arabian outfit Diriyah Club – has also been selected by his country.
AdvertisementOfficial: Cameroon's 28-man squad which does not include Onana
Cameroon squad for the 2025 AFCON:
Devis Epassy, Simon Omossola, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Edouard Sombang
Samuel Junior Kotto, Gerzino Nyamsi, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nouhou Tolo, Flavien Enzo Boyomo, Nagida Mahamadou, Junior Tchamadeu, Christopher Wooh, Darlin Yongwa
Martin Ndzie, Carlos Baleba, Arthur Avom, Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe, Fidel Brice Ambina, Danny Namaso, Christian Bassogog, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Jean Junior Onana, Olivier Kemen
Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Kofane, Frank Magri, Karl Etta Eyong, Patrick Soko
AFPFive-time AFCON winners also sacked manager on same day
Capping off a chaotic 24 hours, The Cameroon Football Federation – led by former Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o – sacked manager Marc Brys on the same day the squad was announced.
The five-time AFCON winners, who have named David Pagou as Brys’ successor, face Gabon in their opening fixture in just three weeks’ time (24 December). Cameroon also take on Ivory Coast (28 December) and Mozambique (31 December) in the group stage.
Cameroon snub the latest blow in torrid 2025-26 season for Onana
Having been expected to be named in Cameroon’s squad, the snub represents the latest blow in what has been a dreadful season for Onana. Losing his place in the United XI to Altay Bayindir for the first three Premier League games of the season following a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season, the former Inter shot-stopper made two mistakes as the club were beaten 12-11 on penalties by League Two minnows Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on 27 August.
Onana, who has earned 53 caps for Cameroon, was then allowed to leave United for Super Lig side Trabzonspor in early September, following the arrival of Senne Lammens from Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp. The 23-year-old has been a revelation since moving to the Red Devils, firmly establishing himself as the club’s new No. 1 ahead of Bayindir.