TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025: Know your team: Cameroon
Nickname: The Indomitable Lions
Participations: 21 Best Performances: Winners (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017)
FIFA Ranking: 49th (January 2025)
At the end of the year in Morocco, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will mark their 22nd participation in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Following a disappointing campaign in Côte d'Ivoire last year, the country is determined to restore its image in the competition. The performances seen during the qualifiers under the guidance of new coach Marc Brys bode well for the second most successful country in the competition (5 trophies), trailing only Egypt (7 titles). The Indomitable Lions will rely on their new dynamic and a core group of players whose club performances have been exceptional since the start of the current season: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), André Onana (Manchester United), and more.
How the Team Qualified
During the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON qualifiers, Cameroon was in Group J, alongside Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Namibia. The Indomitable Lions finished top of the group with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses). They finished 5 points ahead of Zimbabwe, who secured the second qualifying spot from the group. The Indomitable Lions scored eight goals and conceded only two. Now, they just need to maintain this momentum heading into the upcoming competition.
Players to Watch: Carlos Baleba & Bryan Mbeumo
Carlos Baleba: At just 21 years old, Carlos Baleba has been entrusted with a key role in the midfield of the Cameroonian national team under Belgian coach Marc Brys. His performances during the qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 were crucial to Cameroon’s seamless qualification. Since the start of the season in England, he has been delivering outstanding performances with Brighton, attracting the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs. With 18 appearances already and 2 goals to his name, his statistics are impressive.
Bryan MbeumoBryan Mbeumo is having the season of his life in the Premier League with Brentford. With 13 goals already in 20 league matches (currently third in the top scorers’ table), the Indomitable Lion is breaking records. No Cameroonian player has ever posted such statistics in the Premier League, one of the most competitive leagues in the world. With plenty of time left in the season, the French-born forward should continue to improve his numbers, promising an incredible finish to the season.
Mbeumo's absence from the last edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire due to injury was felt by the Cameroonian attack, which missed one of its key players. At 25, Mbeumo will experience his first Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, bringing significant hope to an attacking unit that is looking for a new lease of life. His exceptional technical skills and clinical finishing should be pivotal in Cameroon’s quest for a historic sixth title.
The Coach: Marc Brys
Belgian Marc Brys took charge of the Cameroonian national team in April 2024, replacing Rigobert Song, who was dismissed following the Indomitable Lions’ poor performances in the previous CAF TotalEnergies AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire. Despite a challenging context, Brys has made his mark, leading the team to an easy qualification for the Moroccan tournament. Cameroon finished top of Group J with 14 points, remaining undefeated. His overall record at the helm of the Indomitable Lions speaks for itself: 8 matches, 5 wins, 3 draws, and 0 losses.
This record, a stark contrast to previous campaigns, is the result of Brys’ methodical management and the spirit he has instilled in his squad from the outset.
"I try to give my players more confidence, as much responsibility as possible, and allow them to evolve freely within a clear framework. I demand that they be bold on the pitch and continue to perform at the highest level. I want them to be the best version of themselves, and for that, they need clarity, a clear game plan, and above all, confidence to express themselves. This team has a unique trait in that everyone gives their all for each other, and the interest of the group comes first," said the 62-year-old coach in an interview.
Past Performance
1970 - 1st round1972 - 3rd
1982 - 1st round
1984 - Winner
1986 - Finalist
1988 - Winner
1990 - 1st round
1992 - 4th
1996 - 1st round
1998 - Quarter-finals
2000 - Winner
2002 - Winner
2004 - Quarter-finals
2006 - Quarter-finals
2008 - 2nd
2010 - Quarter-finals
2015 - 1st round
2017 - Winner
2019 - Round of 16
2021 - 3rd
2023 - Round of 16
Did You Know?
Cameroon missed two consecutive editions of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in 2012 and 2013, marking the first time since 1982 that they had failed to qualify.