AFCON 2027: David Pagou banks on collective play ahead of Cameroon–Namibia

David Pagou does not want to tie Cameroon to a specific system of play. On the eve of Thursday’s match against Namibia, the Indomitable Lions coach outlined his tactical philosophy.

“It’s the performance that matters”

Asked about the formations used by his team, including the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, David Pagou pointed out that the players’ positioning alone was not enough to explain the team’s performance:

I don’t know whether it’s the system that is producing results, or whether it’s the movement, the players’ presence, their tactical intelligence or their determination to follow the instructions they are given. For me, the system is not static; it’s dynamic.

The coach explained that the Lions could play in several formations, from a 3-6-1 to a 4-4-2, as well as a 4-3-3. The key will be for each player to fulfil their assigned role and for the team to deliver the performance expected. “What matters to us as coaches is the performance,” he stressed.

The goalkeeper will be chosen at the last moment

The question of who will start in goal also remains open. The Cameroon coach would rather wait until the final training session before making his decision. “We still have one training session. We’ll decide afterwards who will play tomorrow,” he said.

After two rounds, Cameroon sit top of the group with four points. Comoros and Namibia are next with three points each, while Congo have one. Against a direct rival, the Indomitable Lions will have a chance to strengthen their position. Above all, David Pagou expects a disciplined team capable of putting his playing principles into practice, whatever the starting formation.

Aliou Toundé |

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