Softfootball understands that Cameroon begins its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations story with a Group F meeting against Gabon on Wednesday, December 24, in Agadir. It’s a familiar fixture, but the feeling around this Cameroon side is not quite what it used to be.
There was a time when Cameroon turned up to AFCON and everyone else adjusted accordingly. That time feels a little distant now. Cameroon posted a video of their players training ahead of the game via their official X account.
Watch the video below:
The Indomitable Lions are coming into this tournament off the back of a rough spell, highlighted by their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, losing 1-0 to DR Congo in the semi-final of the playoff.
For a nation that holds Africa’s record with eight World Cup appearances, missing out again hurts, and fans haven’t really moved on from it.
Still, tournaments have a funny way of changing narratives. David Pagou’s team did qualify for AFCON by topping their group unbeaten, and that shouldn’t be ignored. But goals have been a problem.
Cameroon failed to score in each of their last two matches, and the decision to leave out veteran striker and former captain Vincent Aboubakar raised more than a few eyebrows. In the past, finishing wasn’t an issue; names like Roger Milla, Patrick Mboma, and Samuel Eto’o made sure of that. These days, it feels less certain.
Gabon arrive with far less noise around them, and maybe that suits them just fine. Labelled dark horses, the Panthers will be looking to improve on their quarter-final runs in 1996 and 2012.
Their recent form suggests they’re no easy out. Thierry Mouyouma’s side hasn’t lost in regulation time in their last six games, including a 1-1 draw with Nigeria. They defend well, stay compact, and then wait for moments to disrupt.
The last meeting between these two ended goalless, and with both sides sharing two wins across their last five clashes, another tight opener wouldn’t surprise many.
Team News
Cameroon has a full squad to choose from, led now by newly appointed captain Bryan Mbeumo. The Manchester United forward carries a lot on his shoulders, especially without Aboubakar around.
Pagou also made a bold call, leaving Andre Onana out and handing the gloves to Devis Epassy, who is also part of the leadership group. Young striker Karl Etta Eyong comes in with confidence after a strong breakout season at Levante.
Gabon will be without their main star, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who picked up a knock at Marseille. That puts pressure on Denis Bouanga, who enjoyed an outstanding MLS season with LAFC. Mario Lemina’s experience in midfield could matter more than usual here.
Possible Lineups
Cameroon:
Epassy; Tchamadeu, Wooh, Boyomo, Tolo; Onana, Baleba; Mbeumo, Dina Ebimbe, Nkoudou; Magri
Gabon:
Mbaba; Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Appindangoye, Ekomie; Ndong, Lemina; Bouanga, Kanga, Allevinah; Openda
Softfootball’s Prediction
Expect a cautious opening, maybe even a slow one. Neither side will want to lose their first game, especially in a group this tricky. Cameroon might edge it on paper, but it won’t be smooth or pretty.
Prediction: Cameroon 1-0 Gabon
