AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Cameroon coach David Pagou warns players not underestimate Comoros threat

Cameroon will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Thursday, September 24, when the Indomitable Lions host Comoros at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua.

Head coach David Pagou has acknowledged the quality of the Coelacanths ahead of the opening fixture and called on his players to approach the encounter with maximum concentration.

Comoros have established themselves as a competitive force in African football in recent years, and Pagou believes Cameroon must prepare properly if they are to secure a positive result on home soil.

The Cameroon coach stressed that while his team must be prepared for whatever their opponents bring to the game, the primary focus should remain on their own performance.

“The Comoros are a great side. We saw them at the Africa Cup of Nations. We must prepare well to take them on. We’ll adapt to whatever the Comoros throw at us tomorrow. However, this is our first match at home with a revamped squad. Our policy is to focus on ourselves,” Pagou said.

Thursday’s encounter will also represent an important opportunity for Pagou to begin shaping his new-look Cameroon side. The coach has made changes to his squad and will be looking for his players to quickly develop an understanding on the pitch.

Pagou also defended his selection decisions for the current international break, explaining that his choices were based on the technical staff’s long-term monitoring of the players.

“We know the players we’ve called up. We’ve been keeping tabs on them since last season. So we’re sticking to our plan,” he explained.

The Cameroon boss also made it clear that a lack of regular club football does not automatically prevent a player from earning an international call-up.

“A lack of match practice doesn’t rule a player out of the squad because, you know, when you know a player, you know what potential he has,” Pagou added.

The Indomitable Lions will be hoping to use their home advantage to begin the qualifying campaign with three points, although Comoros will arrive determined to frustrate the hosts and take something from Garoua.

For Cameroon, the fixture is the first step in their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament. Pagou will therefore be keen to see his players translate their preparations into a disciplined and effective performance.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00pm GMT at the Roumde Adjia Stadium.

After their opening fixture against Comoros, Cameroon will travel to Brazzaville for their second qualifying match against Congo’s Red Devils, making a positive start in Garoua particularly important as they look to build momentum early in the campaign.