Cameroon head coach David Pagou backs misfiring Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo

The Indomitable Lions kicked off their AFCON campaign with a 1-0 win over Gabon, with Mbeumo setting up Etta Eyong for the game's only goal after six minutes.

They were then held to a 1-1 draw with the Ivory Coast, but it was an own-goal from Ghislain Konan than handed Pagou's side a share of the spoils.

Cameroon take on Mozambique in their final Group F encounter, with top spot still up for grabs.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Pagou explained that once Mbeumo starts to manage the pressure, he expects the goals to flow.

"He's putting too much ​pressure on himself, but I think he will manage that. He's a great footballer, a great player, even for this country. He loves this team and really wants to commit to being ‌as effective as possible," he said on SuperSport.

"So today, again, in our little chat with him, the desire is there to be present, to ⁠step up, and to do great things."

"Bryan is a player who loves freedom; he has those qualities. So we are not going to deprive him of that and stop him from expressing himself on the pitch the way he wants," Pagou said.

"It's intentional that we let him express himself across the whole field. It's true he's ⁠had some difficulties flourishing."

Mbeumo has seven goals in 29 national appearances.