Why Has Andre Onana Been Dropped From Cameroon's AFCON Squad?

Andre Onana has sustained a new blow in the 2025/26 season as he has now been dropped from the Cameroon squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of the start of the tournament. Here, we look at the reason for Andre Onana dropped from the Cameroon squad for AFCON and the Andre Onana Replacement in Cameroon squad after this surprising omission made by the Cameroon football federation.

Andre Onana Snubbed From Cameroon Squad For AFCON

Andre Onana has been a highly experienced player for Cameroon over the years, making 53 appearances for his national team since making his debut in 2016. However, many were surprised that the Cameroon squad for AFCON would not have the Manchester United loanee in it, with Andre Onana dropped from the Cameroon squad. This is a decision that has been spearheaded by the Cameroon Football Federation president, Samuel Eto'o, who also recently decided to sack Cameroon head coach Marc Brys ahead of the AFCON tournament.

The reason for Andre Onana Dropped from Cameroon has to be linked with his poor start to the 2025/26 season. The 29-year-old goalkeeper was offloaded by Manchester United in the 2025 summer window, only featuring in their dreadful loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. He joined Turkish side Trabzonspor in the summer window, but has only kept three clean sheets in 10 games for them. Moreover, Andre Onana has struggled to impress for Cameroon and conceded a cheap goal in their 1-0 loss to DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers semifinal in October (2025). As a result of his poor form this season and lack of consistency, the Cameroon squad for AFCON does not contain Andre Onana, who will need to perform at a much higher level to be able to win back his place in the national team.

Who Is Andre Onana Replacement In Cameroon Squad?

After the decision to axe Andre Onana from the Cameroon squad for AFCON, the Cameroon football federation has intrigued many with the Andre Onana Replacement in Cameroon squad. Based on the differences in the squad from the last game (loss to DR Congo) and the Cameroon squad for AFCON, it appears that Montpellier goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu is the Andre Onana replacement in Cameroon squad.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper has been chosen as the Andre Onana replacement in Cameroon squad because of his impressive performances in Ligue 2 for the French club. Simon has kept five clean sheets in 14 Ligue 2 matches this season, impressing with his shot-stopping ability and reliability in front of goal. Andre Onana, unfortunately, will have to watch the AFCON tournament from home as an already dismal 2025 keeps getting even worse for the erratic goalkeeper.