Cameroon’s Leadership Shake-up: Eto'o Forces a Coaching Change Just Before AFCON

Coaching Shakeup Ahead of AFCON

In a dramatic turn, the Cameroonian Football Federation dismissed Belgian coach Marc Brys from his role as head coach of the "Indomitable Lions" after an emergency meeting on Monday, just 20 days before the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Since taking charge in April 2024, Brys was involved in a running clash with the federation and its president, veteran striker Samuel Eto'o, who was recently re-elected to another term.

At the Yaoundé meeting, the federation announced a new coaching lineup led by David Bajou (56), supported by Alexander Belinga and Martin Ndtonjo Mbele.

The federation also published a list of 11 complaints aimed at justifying Brys's dismissal, intended to restore a calm atmosphere within the squad ahead of the AFCON in Morocco (Dec 21–Jan 18).

The move could re-ignite tensions within Cameroon's football authorities.

Brys failed to lead Cameroon to qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a 0-1 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African play-off semifinal last month.

Since his appointment, the relationship between the Belgian coach and the federation had seen several clashes, including a public dispute with Eto'o and a government sports representative.

As a result Eto'o named a rival coaching staff in May 2024, headed by Martin Ndtonjo Mbele.

In early October 2024, the ministry and federation agreed to keep Brys in charge with local assistants chosen by the federation, easing the tensions for now.

Cameroon will compete in AFCON in Group VI, alongside Ivory Coast (defending champions), Gabon, and Mozambique.