In a dramatic turn of events, the newly appointed head coach of Cameroon, Marc Brys has been dismissed before overseeing a single match. This decision is believed to have followed a heated altercation with Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot).
Martin Ndtoungou has been named interim boss of the Indomitable Lions after an emergency meeting of Fecafoot’s executive committee.
What did the Cameroon FA say?
Fecafoot’s official statement cited several reasons for Brys’s dismissal, including “disrespectful comments” by the Belgian coach, his “outright refusal to collaborate,” and “inappropriate behaviour” by both Brys and his assistants.
The tension peaked during a working session at Fecafoot’s headquarters in Yaoundé, where Eto’o and Brys met for the first time. Videos circulating on social media captured their fiery exchange, leading to Brys swiftly leaving the premises.
Brys’s appointment had initially surprised Fecafoot, as it was unilaterally made by the sports ministry. Eto’o, who had reportedly prepared his own list of high-profile candidates for the coaching role and was absent during Brys’s unveiling.
Interim coach Martin Ndtoungou, aged 66, will announce the squad for the qualifiers during a news conference on Thursday. Currently leading Group D with four points from two games, Cameroon aims to secure their place in the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The off-field drama only heightens the stakes for the upcoming matches.
