Cameroon go kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Gabon on Wednesday, December 24 for Agadir. Once Africa football powerhouse, Cameroon dey look to reclaim glory for Morocco, but e no go easy.
Match Preview
Cameroon dey face tough patch after dem fail to qualify for 2026 World Cup for North America. Dem hold African record for most World Cup appearances with eight, so losing to Cape Verde sting fans well well. But AFCON na chance to make amends if dem fit survive ‘group of death’ and reach deep stages.
David Pagou’s side qualify unbeaten for the tournament by topping their group, but AFCON proper go different level. Surprisingly, coach leave veteran striker and captain Vincent Aboubakar out, which fit affect their firepower for final third. Cameroon fail to score in their last two matches, na part of reason dem no dey go World Cup. Last meeting with Gabon also end goalless, and for last five head-to-heads, each team don win two.
Gabon dey tagged dark horses and hope go better pass their quarter-final runs for 1996 and 2012. Despite being 27 places below Cameroon in FIFA ranking, dem fit avoid defeat with recent form. Thierry Mouyouma’s men never lose in regulation for last six games, including 1-1 draw with Nigeria for World Cup playoffs. Gabon dey solid at back and rely on flair players for moments of brilliance. With last clash with Cameroon ending goalless, Gabon no go easy for opening game.
Team News
Cameroon squad dey complete, with newly-appointed captain Bryan Mbeumo leading. The Manchester United player go carry national hopes, especially with Aboubakar absent. Goalkeeper Andre Onana left out, with Devis Epassy as main keeper and one of three captains. Levante’s Karl Etta Eyong don score five goals in 12 La Liga matches and go look to shine for AFCON.
Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dey out after injury for last Marseille game. Denis Bouanga, wey score 26 goals in 34 MLS appearances for Los Angeles FC, go lead line. Mario Lemina’s experience for France and England go help Gabon advance from Group F.
Cameroon Possible Starting Lineup
Epassy; Tchamadeu, Wooh, Boyomo, Tolo; Onana, Baleba; Mbeumo, Dina Ebimbe, Nkoudou; Magri
Gabon Possible Starting Lineup
Mbaba; Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Appindangoye, Ekomie; Ndong, Lemina; Bouanga, Kanga, Allevinah; Openda
We Say: Cameroon 0-0 Gabon
Both teams go dey careful for opening game, trying avoid first-match loss. Last head-to-head also end 0-0, and considering Cameroon’s struggles for final third plus Aubameyang absence for Gabon, this one fit end goalless again.
