Cameroon’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been marked by a surprising and controversial decision: the exclusion of goalkeeper Andre Onana from the squad. Onana, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers, was expected to be a key figure in Cameroon’s quest for continental glory. However, despite demonstrating solid form at the club level, he will not be part of the upcoming tournament.
Andre Onana, who made headlines with his impressive performances for European clubs in recent years, joined Turkish club Trabzonspor in mid-2025. Since his arrival, the goalkeeper has made a noticeable impact, keeping three clean sheets and showing consistency between the posts. His performances suggested that he was regaining the form that once made him indispensable to Cameroon’s national team. Many fans and analysts anticipated that Onana would be a starter for the Indomitable Lions in the AFCON campaign.
The decision to leave Onana out of the squad has raised eyebrows in football circles. Supporters have expressed shock on social media, questioning the rationale behind the move. Some analysts speculate that tactical considerations, team dynamics, or internal management decisions may have influenced the selection. Others argue that excluding a player of Onana’s calibre could affect Cameroon’s defensive stability in the tournament.
This development is particularly significant considering Cameroon’s rich history in AFCON competitions. The national team has always relied on a strong defensive foundation to complement its attacking prowess. With Onana sidelined, the responsibility now falls on the other goalkeepers in the squad to step up and deliver under pressure. The coaching staff will need to ensure that the team’s defensive organization remains robust, especially against some of the continent’s most competitive sides.
For Onana personally, the exclusion is a setback, but it also presents an opportunity to focus on his club career and continue improving his game. Playing in Europe provides him with a platform to maintain top-level performance, and a strong season with Trabzonspor could reopen the door to national team inclusion in the future. Football careers often experience fluctuations, and Onana’s talent and resilience mean that this may only be a temporary hurdle.
As Cameroon gears up for AFCON 2025, all eyes will be on how the team adapts without one of its top goalkeepers. While the decision is controversial, football fans will be eager to see whether Cameroon can maintain its defensive strength and achieve success in the tournament. For Onana, the focus will likely be on proving himself at the club level and ensuring that he remains a top contender for future international competitions.
Source: Thepressradio.com
