David Pagou says Cameroon’s three-match international break has strengthened his belief in the team’s ongoing rebuild after the Indomitable Lions recorded two wins and a draw.
Cameroon began their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign with a victory against Comoros before drawing with Congo. They then completed the break with a 2-0 friendly win over Cote d’Ivoire at Ebimpe on Saturday.
The results left Cameroon unbeaten across their three matches, a run that satisfied Pagou as he continues to develop the squad.
The coach believes the players’ mindset was shaped by the message delivered to them before the matches: that the team is progressing rather than starting again.
“We told them that we are continuing in the same direction,” Pagou said.
“We are in the process of consolidating this team. At a press conference, a journalist asked whether we would finally see Cameroon’s strongest starting XI.
“Over nine matches, and now a 10th today, I made him understand that we are no longer thinking in terms of a fixed starting XI. We are continuing to build the team.”
Pagou said Cameroon had prepared for the match against Cote d’Ivoire in favourable conditions, having received a good welcome and trained on a suitable pitch.
“We told the players: if we defend well, we will not concede,” he added. “It is true that Cote d’Ivoire had chances, but as I told them, when you are well organised defensively, there is always a foot, a hand, a head or a body to stop the ball from going in.
“I believe they followed the instructions well and played the match we wanted them to play.”
His comments were reported by Allez Les Lions, which covers Cameroonian football.