Controversy, outburst, threat to quit… the 5 key takeaways from the Indomitable Lions' international break
Between an ordeal of a trip, tension, an outburst and a show of pride, the Indomitable Lions went through a turbulent camp.
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Nothing really surprising, when you think about it! The Indomitable Lions' camp for the March 2025 FIFA window has just joined the long list of get-togethers as turbulent as they are revealing of the internal tensions plaguing Cameroonian football. On the agenda: a laboured draw with Eswatini, an unprecedented public statement from the players denouncing deep-rooted problems, a threat to leave from Marc Brys, a win over Libya in a tense atmosphere, and emerging divisions around one player: Vincent Aboubakar.
A chaotic journey in South Africa
The first chapter of this camp took place on 19 March in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Cameroon were due to face Eswatini the following day on matchday 5 of 2026 World Cup qualifying. But André Onana and his team-mates did not know they would be stuck for hours at the South African capital's airport. And that was only the beginning of the ordeal, as Marc Brys and his players then travelled to Mbombela, the match venue some 400 km away, the same night by bus.
According to the Fécafoot, though, the president of Cameroon's football governing body, Samuel Eto'o, had made arrangements for the team to spend the night in Johannesburg and fly to Mbombela the next morning. "But the Lions and the staff refused and preferred to travel to their destination by road the same night, despite all the risks that entails," said the Fécafoot's communications department.
Points dropped against Eswatini
The price of this amateurism was paid the next day, on match day against Eswatini (0-0). In a game that was meant to put them top of their group against a side ranked 148th in the FIFA rankings, the Cameroonian players, visibly tired from the previous day's ordeal, produced a dull performance, with no attacking inspiration and no tempo in build-up play.
Despite having the lion's share of possession, Marc Brys' side ran into a compact low block and never really unsettled it. The 0-0 felt like a setback. Unable to turn their dominance into goals, the Lions let two precious points slip.
The Lions break their silence
Against this backdrop of deep unease, Marc Brys' players were exasperated. So, as soon as they returned to Cameroon, Vincent Aboubakar and his team-mates resolved to break their silence. In a video widely shared on social media, the players pointed to the institutional tensions between the Ministry of Sports and the Fécafoot, which they believe are harming the team's peace of mind.
"The leadership battles between our governing bodies are becoming unbearable and amount to self-centredness. They are jeopardising the balance of our team (…) We refuse to become the object or the victims of external conflicts." The players also called for the return of Joachim Mununga, Marc Brys' assistant, to the touchline on match days: "Allow the coach who works with us every day to do his job in peace, notably by allowing him to have his assistant at his side."
Image recovered from a public archive captured on 28/03/2025. The archived file is verified; the current source is unavailable. View archived capture
Marc Brys threatens to resign
However, the players' grievance found no sympathetic ear at the Fécafoot, which continues to refuse accreditation to Joachim Mununga for official matches. An episode symptomatic of the tensions between the technical staff and the leaders of Cameroonian football.
Worn down by this interference, Brys tried to resign before the home game against Libya on Tuesday. However, the players and some members of the Cameroonian government persuaded him to stay. "I did indeed want to leave. But I finally decided to take charge of the match on 25 March against Libya. There were interventions and many phone calls from the State, and even someone who was sent to convince me," explained the Belgian coach, suggesting that the desire to leave still stands.
In this explosive climate, Cameroon had to respond on the pitch. On 25 March, at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, the Indomitable Lions rediscovered their form by beating Libya (3-1).
Aboubakar answers critics and closes in on an Eto'o record
Image recovered from a public archive captured on 28/03/2025. The archived file is verified; the current source is unavailable. View archived capture
Beyond the win, one player could not afford a poor game in this match: Vincent Aboubakar. The Indomitable Lions captain was under pressure to deliver, having spoken out to criticise the Fécafoot's attitude towards the head coach. That stance has drawn scathing criticism from supporters of the federation and its president, Samuel Eto'o, with some arguing that the former FC Porto striker no longer has a place in the squad.
But they underestimated the Garoua native, who answered his critics in the best possible way: a decisive brace that gave Cameroon the 3 points. With 48 goals for his country, the 32-year-old forward is closing in on the all-time record (56 goals) held by Samuel Eto'o. With several qualifiers still to play and an Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, Aboubakar could well write his name a little deeper into the history of Cameroonian football. Much to the "dismay" of his detractors?