Coach David Pagou has now gone four games unbeaten in his first coaching experience with Africa’s five-time champions, the Indomitable Lions—a feat that has rekindled grassroots enthusiasm among fans.
Despite inheriting a team that had been battered by a series of unimpressive performances, coupled with internal rivalry between the Ministry of Sports and the Cameroon Football Federation, Pagou managed to steer the team through an unbeaten run of three victories and one draw.
His appointment on December 1, 2025—barely three weeks to the start of the Africa Cup of Nations—surprised many, as he replaced Belgian manager Marc Brys, who was sacked the same day.
His coaching experience with elite clubs PWD Bamenda and Coton Sport of Garoua had given him a strong reputation, earning him the confidence of Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o.
As one who guided PWD Bamenda to their first-ever Elite One title in 2020, Pagou has, so far, not disappointed.
His first move with the Indomitable Lions was to introduce a new squad, moving away from some of the “old guards” who had failed to impress under Brys.
World-class players such as goalkeeper André Onana, Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa were not called up. Instead, Pagou selected a mix of motivated, little-known players as well experienced strikers like Etta Eyong, Christian Kofane, Bryan Mbuemo, and Nouhou Tolo, who have delivered on the pitch.
The Lions’ first game with Pagou against Gabon on December 24 ended 1–0 in Cameroon’s favor, sparking renewed hope.
Many had predicted a loss to defending champions Ivory Coast in their second group match, but the Lions secured a 1–1 draw on December 27, earning praise for the young squad. They went on to defeat Mozambique 2–1 on December 31 to qualify for the knockout stage.
By this point, fans who had lost interest in the Lions after repeated disappointments—including failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup—were growing enthusiastic once more. The Indomitable Lions’ spirit appeared reborn.
When Cameroon faced South Africa in the knockout round on January 4, the streets of Buea, in the South West region, were unusually quiet.
Many had rushed home early to watch a match they might have ignored had hope not been restored in the team.
Roads emptied as people flocked to off-licenses and roadside bars to follow the game. One taxi driver was heard telling passengers at about 8:35 pm that it was his last trip for the night—he had to park and watch the game after hearing Tchamadeu had just given Cameroon a 1–0 lead.
Pagou and his players proved their worth. After taking a 1–0 lead in the First Half, Christian Kofane struck in another for the Lions just two minutes into the Second Half.
They continued to dominate the Bafana Bafana until the final minutes, when Makgopa managed to give South Africa a consolation goal before they exited the tournament.
The victory earned praise from many quarters, including from the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof Narcise Mouele Kombi, whose public rivalry with Samuel Eto’o had contributed to the Lions’ poor performances.
“Congratulations to the Indomitable Lions who, thanks to their victory against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, have advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition,” Prof Kombi wrote.
He announced victory bonuses, totaling 18 million francs CFA per player.
The Lions’ recent four-match unbeaten run is the team’s best form in a long while. Support had waned after they failed to qualify for the World Cup following consecutive draws and defeats to less-fancied opponents.
A painful 1–0 loss to DR Congo on November 13, a 0–0 draw with Angola a month earlier, and a 1–0 defeat to Cape Verde in September had all dampened grassroots enthusiasm.
Although Marc Brys secured qualification to the AFCON after a 13-match unbeaten run, the promising start soon turned to disappointment when losses to Cape Verde and DR Congo cost Cameroon a place at the World Cup.
David Pagou, the current tactician, is being hailed for his disciplined, methodical approach and commitment to developing local talent.
The 56-year-old now has his most difficult challenge yet—beating host Morocco and qualifying the Indomitable Lions for the Semi Final.
