Cameroon

26, January 2026

CPDM Crime Syndicate: Coach Sacked by Eto’o receives salary, AFCON bonus ⁰

Drama continues to be witnessed in Cameroon as Belgian coach is reportedly still being paid and even received an AFCON bonus when he was removed before the tournament kicked off.

The power struggle within Cameroon football continues after it emerged that Belgian coach Marc Brys is still getting paid even after he was removed just before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Brys was removed by the Samuel Eto’o-led FECAFOOT, the country’s football federation, on the eve of AFCON 2025 with David Pagou installed ahead of the tournament.

Pagou led the Indomitable Lions at AFCON 2025, reaching the quarter-final, where they were eliminated by hosts Morocco.

Cameroon Football Federation Raises Concerns Over CAF Disciplinary Procedures Involving Samuel Eto’o

However, according to Sport News Africa, Pagou’s appointment did not have the approval of the Sports Ministry, who hires and pays the national team coach, and as such, he is yet to be paid for his duties.

Meanwhile, Brys, who was hired by the Ministry but was rejected by FECAFOOT, is still getting paid and is reported to have even received an AFCON bonus despite not leading the team at the tournament.

How Much Was ‘Sacked’ Coach Paid?

This is because his contract was not terminated by the appointing authority (Sports Ministry) who still consider him the national team coach.

“The state never officially terminated Mr Brys’s contract,” a source told Sport News Africa. “Whether we like it or not, the administration cannot unilaterally suspend a contract without a legal basis.”

Brys was reportedly paid a bonus of 20 million CFA francs, or approximately €30,500 (Ksh4.6 million) in relation to Cameroon’s performance at AFCON, based on the contractual agreement signed when he was hired, while he is earning a monthly salary believed to be between €44,000 (Ksh6.6 million) and €60,000 (Ksh9 million), which includes dues to his assistant and video analyst.

The Belgian coach has repeatedly maintained that he still considers himself the Cameroon coach as he has never been formally terminated while Eto’o has never recognised him.

With the drama, Pagou is left in between as the Sports Ministry has allegedly refused to pay him as they do not recognise him while Eto’o insists it’s the government’s duty to pay the national team coach.

Source: Pulsesports

26, January 2026

Football: Mbeumo hails Manchester United manager Michael Carrick ⁰

Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo has shed lights on Manchester United dressing room following the appointment of club legend Michael Carrick as head coach, stressing his arrival has brought a noticeable shift in energy and approach.

After the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils turned to Carrick to steady the ship, handing the former midfielder interim responsibility for the first team. Carrick’s return to the dugout has already made an impact, both in results and in atmosphere, according to those within the squad.

The new era began in emphatic fashion, as United claimed a convincing 2–0 victory over rivals Manchester City in Carrick’s first match in charge. Mbeumo played a starring role in that derby triumph, getting his name on the scoresheet and helping United assert control against their neighbors.

Reflecting on the changes since Carrick’s appointment, Mbeumo highlighted the difference he has felt on the training ground and beyond. He said:

“Training is different. The mentality is different. The manager is a legend here so everyone wants to do their best.”

The winger’s comments underline the renewed motivation within the squad, with Carrick’s status and understanding of the club seemingly inspiring players to raise their levels during a crucial phase of the season.

Despite the turbulence earlier in the campaign, Manchester United remains firmly in the hunt near the top end of the table. After 23 Premier League matches, the club crushed leaders Arsenal and the early signs under Carrick suggest a group eager to push forward and rediscover consistency under familiar leadership.

Source: Africa Soccer

19, January 2026

Indomitable Lions to participate in the 2026 FIFA Series in Australia ⁰

The Indomitable Lions are entering the FIFA Series, a friendly tournament initiated by FIFA to boost global football. The Cameroon national team will participate in the next international competition between March and April 2026. The tournament will be held in Australia.

In the announcement made by FIFA on 19 January 2026, the Cameroonian team will play Australia, the host country, China and Curaçao in the AFC group. The world football governing body has not yet released the tournament schedule. It will be announced at a later date, FIFA said.

Source: Daily Sports

16, January 2026

Indomitable Lions: Eto’o handed ban and fine for misconduct ⁰

Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after being found guilty of misconduct by a Confederation of African Football (Caf) disciplinary panel.

A Caf statement said that Eto’o, now president of his nation’s football federation (Fecafoot), had violated its principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and Morocco.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making an angry gesture over some of the decisions taken by the officials as the Indomitable Lions lost 2-0 to the tournament hosts.

Caf boss Patrice Motsepe, who was also in attendance in the stadium in Rabat, appeared to have witnessed Eto’o’s frustration.

On Monday the continent’s governing body announced it was launching an investigation into “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during last-eight matches.

In response, Fecafoot rejected Caf’s decision, describing the process as one that “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial”.

Fecafoot then expressed support for its president in a statement on Wednesday, while suggesting Eto’o would appeal against the sanction.

Since assuming his role in in 2021, Eto’o’s image as a legend of the game has been dented by controversy and scandals.

He has faced accusations of improper conduct and poor management, with some football stakeholders also complaining of grave irregularities within Fecafoot.

He has often rejected such allegations, touting his achievements at the helm of the organisation.

Source: BBC

12, January 2026

FECAFOOT commends Morocco’s hospitality after quarter-final defeat ⁰

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has received an official letter from the Cameroonian Football Federation following the quarter-final encounter between the two nations at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

In the message, the Cameroonian Football Federation expressed its deep appreciation to its Moroccan counterpart for the excellent organisation of the tournament and the high standard of hospitality extended to the Cameroonian delegation throughout their stay.

The Cameroonian FA also praised the quality of the reception and the vibrant atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, highlighting the warm welcome shown to the players and technical staff during the match.

In addition, Cameroon congratulated the Moroccan national team on securing qualification to the semi-finals after their 2-0 victory, while wishing the Atlas Lions success as they continue their quest for the AFCON title.

The letter further underlined the strong fraternal and sporting ties between the two nations, expressing confidence that future competitions will continue to be marked by mutual respect, sportsmanship and cooperation among African countries.

Source: Africa Soccer

7, January 2026

AFCON 2025: Tougher test awaits anxious hosts Morocco ⁰

Hosts Morocco can expect the first proper examination of their ability to go on and win the Africa Cup of Nations when they take on a feisty Cameroon in the quarter-finals at the weekend.

The top-ranked Moroccans were not stretched in the group phase of the tournament, where they finished top of the standings, nor in their last-16 clash against Tanzania on Sunday.

Yet they delivered only one convincing performance when they beat Zambia in their last of their group matches and against Cameroon in Rabat on Friday there will need to be a marked improvement if they are to advance towards the target of a first continental title in 50 years.

The home side were heavy pre-tournament favourites but have looked anxious and nervy at times, feeling the intense pressure and will be cautious of the threat that Cameroon pose. “We will try to disrupt them,” said Cameroon coach David Pagou, promising a physical battle.

The game will be one of the highlights of a blockbuster set of last-eight ties, with Algeria meeting Nigeria on Saturday and Egypt’s clash against defending champions Ivory Coast later on the same day also eagerly anticipated.

Only Senegal, who take on Mali in the first quarter-final in Tangier on Friday, are expected to ease through to the semi-finals, up against opponents who have made it to the latter stages of the tournament without winning a game.

Mali have drawn four successive matches in Morocco, advancing on post-match penalties over Tunisia in the last 16 despite being down to 10 men for most of the match. Their fighting spirit is not expected to be enough to hold out against Senegal’s attack, which has scored 10 goals at the tournament.

Algeria and Nigeria are the only teams to have won all four of their matches in Morocco and both have given strong indicators of their ability to take the title.

Ivory Coast were also in impressive form in the last 16 as they brushed aside Burkina Faso 3-0 on Tuesday and are set to reignite a Cup of Nations rivalry with Egypt, who are looking to give talisman Mohamed Salah international success to go along with his numerous achievements at club level with Liverpool.

“We’ll simply try to impose our rhythm (of play) on Egypt,” said Ivorian coach Emerse Fae.

The quarter-final winners advance to the last four to be played in Rabat and Tangier on January 14.

Source: Reuters

4, January 2026

Indomitable Lions beat Bafana Bafana to reach AFCON 2025 quarterfinals against Morocco ⁰

A statement win in the Round of 16. Cameroon showed efficiency and composure to knock out South Africa and book a quarterfinal date with the host.

An intense battle from the opening whistle

The AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash got off to a fast, physical start as South Africa and Cameroon traded early momentum. Both sides tested the waters, with set pieces and direct play defining the opening exchanges.

Bafana Bafana looked to assert themselves through crosses and dead-ball situations, while the Indomitable Lions relied on pace, power and quick transitions going forward.

Tchamadeu breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute. Junior Tchamadeu capitalized on a well-worked move to beat the South African back line and give Cameroon a deserved lead heading into the break.

South Africa tried to respond before halftime, including a saved effort from Oswin Appollis, but lacked the final touch to draw level.

Kofane doubles the lead and Cameroon take control

The second half could not have started better for Cameroon. At 54 minutes, Christian Kofane struck to make it 2-0, putting immediate pressure on South Africa and shifting full control of the match to the Lions.

With the advantage secured, Cameroon managed the tempo intelligently, closing down spaces and looking to exploit gaps on the counter.

Late drama, but no comeback

Just when the match seemed settled, South Africa found a late lifeline. In the 88th minute, Evidence Maggopa attacked the space inside the box to meet a long delivery from Aubrey Modiba, pulling one back to make it 2–1 and adding real tension to the closing moments.

Despite a late push from Bafana Bafana, Cameroon held their nerve and protected the lead to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals.

Cameroon march on to a heavyweight quarterfinal

Solid at the back, clinical in front of goal and composed in key moments, Cameroon closed out a 2-1 victory to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Awaiting them is a blockbuster showdown against tournament hosts Morocco.

The Indomitable Lions move forward with confidence, while South Africa bow out after a spirited performance that ultimately fell short when it mattered most.

Source: beIN Sports

20, December 2025

2025 AFCON: Indomitable Lions arrive in Morocco ⁰

Cameroon have touched down in Morocco ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the Indomitable Lions looking to add another title to their storied legacy as five-time champions.

However, the team is facing internal turmoil, with coach Marc Brys at the center of controversy after being sacked by the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto’o.

Despite this, Brys has selected his squad and begun training sessions in Casablanca, with players like Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba leading the charge.

Cameroon is in Group F, alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Mozambique, and will face Gabon in their opening match on December 24.

Cameroon last won the competition in 2017 and will hope to add to their five titles.

Source: Kickoffghana

16, December 2025

Football: Panthère du Ndé Wins Cameroon Cup 2025 ⁰

Panthère sportive du Ndé won the 2025 Cameroon Cup after a penalty shootout victory, prevailing 3–1 following a 1–1 draw in regulation time against Colombe sportive du Dja-et-Lobo. Colombe entered the final as the defending champion after winning the 2024 edition. The match took place at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé. Panthère fielded a compact and disciplined side, while Colombe displayed ambition and determination to retain its title.

As the tightly contested final progressed, composure created the difference. Panthère du Ndé demonstrated greater control and calm during the penalty shootout. Consequently, the club secured the trophy and confirmed its ability to manage pressure during decisive moments of a national final.

Panthère du Ndé had previously lifted the Cameroon Cup in 1988 and 2009. The West Region club therefore claimed the third Cameroon Cup title in its history. This victory ended a 16-year wait for silverware and marked the return of a historic club to the recent honors list of Cameroonian football.

Officials celebrated the victory in the presence of Célestine Ketcha Courtès, Minister of Housing and Urban Development and honorary president of the Ndé club. Her attendance gave official recognition to what observers described as a historic moment for the West Region side. This high-level political presence increased the symbolic significance of the triumph beyond its sporting dimension.

Panthère midfielder Brandon Fopa, aged 22, earned the man-of-the-match award. He received a CFA2 million check in recognition of his influence throughout the match. He controlled midfield play and managed key phases of the contest.

By defeating the defending champion, Panthère du Ndé delivered a victory with strong symbolic value. The club confirmed its return among Cameroon’s leading teams. The third national trophy strengthened the club’s historical record and could enhance its sporting appeal, political support, commercial partnerships, and supporter loyalty.

Source: Business in Cameroon

12, December 2025

Francofools and the Indomitable Lions: Two squads named for AFCON ⁰

Uncertainty reigns as Cameroon prepare to head into the AFCON, which begins in just 10 days on December 21 in host nation Morocco. Cameroon see their campaign begin three days later on December 24 against Gabon, and there could be much controversy yet to come as Eto’o and Brys continue their public feud.

Mail Sport have shed light on the situation in Cameroon, where Eto’o recently marked four years as president of the Football Federation.

The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker has reportedly told the Belgian Brys that he has been relieved of his duties as manager of Cameroon, but he is reportedly ‘refusing the sack’ amidst claims that he has not been officially fired and remains under contract with the nation’s Ministry of Sport until December 2026.

He intends to lead the nation into the tournament, despite the fact that Eto’o has since appointed David Pagou as his replacement. The Cameroonian FA released their 28-man squad for the tournament with Pagou as manager on 1 December, omitting star names such as Andre Onana, ex-Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting and Vincent Aboubakar – the latter of whom is just 12 goals away from surpassing Eto’o’s all-time goalscoring record for Cameroon.

Brys has suggested that this decision was, therefore, calculated by Eto’o, and has named his own conflicting squad for the upcoming tournament.

Brys hits out at ‘narcissistic’ Eto’o

“From the very first minute, he insulted me, and I reacted. I was too much of a competitor for him.”

Referencing the AFCON squad that excluded Onana, Choupo-Moting and Aboubakar, he added: “Eto’o had left key players and leaders out of the squad. Because, of course, he had made that selection.

“How can you go to the Africa Cup of Nations without a world-class goalkeeper? Or without Aboubakar? It’s unbelievable, but actually, it doesn’t surprise me. It’s coming from someone who is narcissistic and thinks he’s the best.

“As long as there is no signed note from the Presidency of the Republic appointing David Pagou as the coach of the Indomitable Lions, in the eyes of the State of Cameroon, Mr. Marc Brys remains. This is not up for discussion, and it has been this way in Cameroon for at least 30 years.”

Cameroon’s international struggles go beyond the feud between the high-profile pair, as the Indomitable Lions recently failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, finishing below first-time qualifiers Cape Verde in Group D and then losing out to DR Congo in the CAF play-off semi-final to see their failure to qualify confirmed.

Eto’o himself has seen previous controversy during his time as president of the nation’s Football Federation. He was handed a six-month ban from attending national team matches by FIFA in 2024, after breaching two articles of the governing body’s disciplinary code. A FIFA statement confirmed the disciplinary breaches occurred around a FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup last-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon. Eto’o has also faced accusations of corruption and electoral fraud.

Eto’o and Brys have ‘butted heads’ throughout the pair’s tenure in charge, the Belgian threatening to quit last year after his assistant Joachim Munanga was left out of the federation’s official matchday list by Eto’o, who he believed did this to undermine his authority.

Source: Goal.com