Andre Onana has been dropped entirely from Cameroon’s squad for their crucial clash with Serbia at the 2022 World Cup.
Inter keeper dropped from squadDisciplinary reasons citedEpassy lines up between the sticks
What happened?
The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who plays his club football for Serie A giants Inter, has not even been included among the substitutes for the Indomitable Lions’ second Group G outing at Qatar 2022.
Onana played the full 90 minutes for his country as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Switzerland on matchday one, but his place between the sticks has now been handed to Devis Epassy – who represents Saudi Arabian outfit Abha.
COUPE DU MONDE FIFA QATAR 2022
Voici les XI #LionsIndomptables qui débuteront le match. #CAMEROUN ?? ? ?? #SERBIE
? 28/11/2022
⏰ 11H00
? Al Janoub Stadium#CMRSER | #FIFAWC2022 | #QATAR2022 | #ECRIVONSLHISTOIRE | #ALLEZLESLIONS | #LETSROARTOGETHER | #INDOMPTABLES pic.twitter.com/WKBz1pofi2
— Les Lions Indomptables Officiel (@LIndomptables) November 28, 2022
Why was Onana dropped against Serbia?
The Cameroon Football Federation have confirmed that Onana – who has 34 caps for Cameroon – was left out by national team coach Rigobert Song due to disciplinary reasons.
A statement read: “The Cameroon Football Federation hereby informs the public that following Mr. Rigobert Song Bahanag’s decision, the player Andre Onana has been temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons.
“The Cameroon Football Federation reiterates its full support to the head coach and his entire staff as they implement the federation’s policy aimed at preserving discipline, solidarity and cohesion within the national team.
“FECAFOOT further reaffirms its commitment to create a peaceful atmosphere for the team and to provide them with adequate facilities for an outstanding performance.”
What has Cameroon manager Rigobert Song said about Onana?
Cameroon boss Song said after the match that Onana had asked to be left out of the team on Monday.
“He is an important player, but we are in a difficult tournament,” Song told reporters.
“I know what I have to do, and that is to ensure that the team takes precedence over any individuals. Andre wanted to step out and we accepted that position. In a squad, discipline is important.”
But the manager denied claims that Onana will leave Qatar and suggested he could return to the squad.
“For the time being I have asked him to wait – to see if is going to stay with us. I have asked him to respect the rules and maybe come back into the squad,” he added.
