 Born in Yaoundé, Atangana began his career with Olympic Mvolyé in 1996, spending three seasons with the club.He joined Al-Fateh in 1998, returning to Cameroon in 1999 to join Tonnerre Yaoundé.During his time with Tonnerre Yaoundé, Atangana was called up to the Cameroon national team which led to interest from abroad.