Cameroon coach David Pagou feels Bryan Mbeumo is carrying heavy expectations at the Africa Cup of Nations but still sees the Manchester United forward as central to Cameroon's push for the last 16. Mbeumo is yet
to secure qualification with Cameroon in Group F, where a decisive clash with Mozambique awaits on Wednesday.
Pagou underlined how important Mbeumo is for Cameroon despite some signs of tension in recent games. "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, highlighting both concern and confidence in the 26-year-old.
Mbeumo has collected 29 caps and seven goals for Cameroon since debuting in 2022, yet this tournament represents a first AFCON campaign. The forward delivered the assist for Karl Etta Eyong during the 1-0 victory over Gabon in the opening group fixture, where Mbeumo's overall performance drew attention from analysts and supporters.
Against Gabon, Mbeumo created six chances, placing the forward among select company for Cameroon at AFCON since detailed data started in 2010. Only Georges Kevin Nkoudou, who created seven chances against Guinea in January 2024, and Benjamin Moukandjo, who did so against Guinea-Bissau in January 2017, have generated more in a single tournament match.
Across the first two matchdays, no player has created more chances at this year's AFCON than Mbeumo, who sits on seven. The Cameroon forward is also fourth for passes delivered into the opposition penalty area with 18, and seventh for expected assists at 0.7, underlining a key creative influence despite the personal pressure Pagou has mentioned.
Pagou explained that the coaching staff have built Mbeumo's role around freedom on the ball rather than strict positional limits. "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. "
The coach also stressed Mbeumo's mindset and attachment to the national team group. "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. " Pagou expects that attitude to shape Mbeumo's response to pressure.
Cameroon carry rich AFCON history, lifting the trophy five times, a tally bettered only by Egypt's seven titles. Yet the Indomitable Lions have not celebrated tournament success since 2017 in Gabon, adding another layer of expectation on the current squad and on attacking leaders such as Mbeumo in this edition.
Wednesday's Group F fixture against Mozambique will determine how that pressure unfolds. Mozambique know victory secures a place in the knockout rounds, while Cameroon can still advance even from third position. Recent history favours Cameroon, who have won the last seven meetings with Mozambique, scoring 21 goals and conceding only three, with Mozambique's previous win coming 3-0 in an AFCON qualifier in April 1983.
That context leaves Mbeumo as a likely focal point for Cameroon in a fixture that can define the campaign. Pagou believes that if Mbeumo channels the pressure positively, the creative form, freedom on the pitch, and strong record against Mozambique can combine to move Cameroon into the last 16 and keep long-term AFCON ambitions alive.
