Cameroon coach Pagou: Mbeumo putting too much pressure on himself to deliver AFCON glory

Cameroon coach David Pagou believes that Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo is putting too much pressure on himself to succeed at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mbeumo has made 29 appearances for Cameroon since making his debut in 2022, scoring seven goals, though this is his first time competing at AFCON.

The 26-year-old provided the assist for Karl Etta Eyong in Cameroon’s 1-0 win over Gabon in their opening group match, with his display certainly catching the eye.

He created six chances against Gabon, becoming the third Cameroonian player to create as many chances in a single AFCON game since that data became available in 2010, after Georges‑Kevin Nkoudou against Guinea in January 2024 (seven) and Benjamin Moukandjo against Guinea‑Bissau in January 2017.

Indeed, no player has created more chances across the opening two matchdays at this year’s AFCON than Mbeumo (seven), while he also ranks fourth for passes played into the opposition’s box (18) and seventh for expected assists (0.7).

Only Egypt (seven) have won more AFCON titles than Cameroon (five), though the Indomitable Lions have not won the tournament since their 2017 success in Gabon.

“He’s putting too much pressure on himself, but I think he will manage that. He’s a great footballer, a great player, even for this country,” Pagou told reporters.

“He loves this team and really wants to commit to being as effective as possible.

“So today, again, in our little chat with him, the desire is there, to be present, to step up, and to do great things.”

Cameroon are yet to confirm their spot in the last 16 of the tournament, with their final Group F game coming against Mozambique on Wednesday.

Mozambique know a win will send them into the knockout stages, but Cameroon could still progress in third place, though Mbeumo and his team will fancy their chances here.

Cameroon have won their last seven matches against Mozambique, scoring 21 goals and conceding only three.

Mozambique’s last victory against the Indomitable Lions was 42 years ago, in an AFCON qualifier (3-0) back in April 1983.

And Pagou believes that Mbeumo will be key to ensuring a victory for his team, adding: “Bryan is a player who loves freedom, he has those qualities.

“So we are not going to deprive him of that and stop him from expressing himself on the pitch the way he wants.

“It’s intentional that we let him express himself across the whole field. It’s true he’s had some difficulties flourishing.”