Mueez Ajao
– Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has left their World Cup squad and is set to play no further part in the tournament after being suspended by the country’s football federation.
– A source close to the player told that Onana departed the team hotel and travelled to the airport on Tuesday, with Milan – where he plays for Inter – believed to be his destination.
André Onana leaves the World Cup. No changes, it’s confirmed — he will fly to Paris now and then to Yaoundé. 🚨🇨🇲 #Qatar2022
It’s over with the manager Rigobert Song after yesterday’s discussion. pic.twitter.com/jgc4HSF6os
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 29, 2022
– “I have put all my efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences, but there has been no will on the other side,” Onana said in a statement posted on Twitter.
Also Read: Cameroon coach reveals reason Onana was kicked out of squad
– “However, I always respect and support the decisions of the people in charge of pursuing the success of our team and country.”
– Cameroon’s football federation (Fecafoot) took action after Indomitable Lions coach Rigobert Song said established first-choice Onana had asked not to play their second Group G match, amid reports of a falling out between the pair in Qatar.
– The 26-year-old was replaced by Devis Epassy for Monday’s 3-3 draw against Serbia, and was not listed among the substitutes.
– Onana’s statement said he “was not allowed to be on the ground to help Cameroon achieve the team’s goals”.
– “I always behaved in a way to lead the team to success in a good manner,” he added.
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) November 29, 2022
– On Monday evening Fecafoot released a statement to say Inter Milan keeper Onana had been “temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons”.
🔴 #PRESSRELEASE pic.twitter.com/ThlpG1Lomd
— Fecafoot-Officiel (@FecafootOfficie) November 28, 2022
– Onana has won 34 international caps and had started all of the Central Africans’ games this year before being left out against Serbia.
– Now led by Song’s former team-mate Samuel Eto’o, Fecafoot expressed “its full support” for the coach, 46, as he implemented policy “aimed at preserving discipline, solidarity, complementarity and cohesion with the national team”.
– There are suggestions the coach and goalkeeper have disagreed over Onana’s regular venturing out of his penalty area.
– Of his 61 touches of the ball during the 1-0 defeat by Switzerland last Thursday, 26 came outside the box.
