Mbeumo, Baleba, Magri - Cameroon's key players at AFCON 2025
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Bryan Mbeumo: The Bearded Cameroonian Making His First AFCON Appearance
- Current club: Manchester United (Premier League)
- Position: Attacking midfielder, Right winger
At 26 years old, Bryan Mbeumo is making his first appearance for the Cameroonian national senior team, particularly in the Africa Cup of Nations. Not to be undermined, he is a threat on the counterattacks, and his sharp eye for clinical finishing could be key for Cameroon's success this time around.
Mbeumo missed out on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after his nation suffered a shock defeat to DR Congo in the CAF World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final.
He had an average run in the qualifiers. He scored four goals and provided two assists in 11 appearances. In the end, his efforts weren't enough to see his nation book a plane ticket to North America.
The Manchester United talisman is out to prove himself on the continental stage by guiding his nation to its sixth trophy in this competition. Regarding his performance for the Red Devils in the Premier League, this season has been somewhat decent, with seven goals in 16 appearances.
Carlos Baleba: The Midfield Maestro
- Current club: Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League)
- Position: Defensive midfielder
Carlos Baleba is gradually establishing himself as one of football's brightest prospects. For some, the name may not ring a bell, but to media outlets, he has been making the rounds.
Baleba is currently stationed in England and plays for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion as a defensive midfielder. He joined the club in 2023, and his moment to shine came in the previous season, winning the young player of the season award for 2024-25.
The 21-year-old recently attracted the attention of top clubs in Europe in the summer transfer window from Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United, who are still showing a lot of interest in getting his signature.
The Cameroon-born midfielder is part of the squad that's set to grace the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Having made 11 appearances thus far, he will be hoping to make an impact for his nation.
Frank Magri: The Indomitable Lions' Important Offensive Asset
- Current club: Toulouse (Ligue 1)
- Position: Forward
How can one forget Frank Magri, who could turn out to be a key player in this competition? The forward has made 17 appearances for Cameroon and was also part of the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Magri was the reason behind the five-time champions avoiding an embarrassing outcome in their opening match of the AFCON group stages. They faced Serhou Guirassy's Guinea, and he scored the equalizer to see his side salvage a point in a 1-1 draw at the Charles Konan Benny Stadium. That was his second international goal.
He may not be the prolific striker for his nation at the moment, but he has been decent for French club Toulouse in Ligue 1. In 16 appearances for the club this season, he has scored four goals, which puts him behind the team's top goalscorer, Yann Gboho, with five goals to his name.
With Vincent Aboubakar and Maxim Choupo-Moting omitted from the squad, rest assured, the 26-year-old will get some playing time in this year's tournament to showcase his talent.
