Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been dropped for Cameroon’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations clash against Gambia.
Cameroon must win to stand any chance of qualifying to the knockout stage of AFCON and also need Senegal beating Guinea.
Onana has been dropped by Cameroon after a disappointing performance against SenegalCredit: Getty
But Cameroon manager Rigobert Song has decided to drop Onana from the starting line-up with Fabrice Ondoa, who is the United player’s cousin, being named in goal instead.
However, there are reports that the decision could have come up from higher up amid rumours that Onana and Samuel Eto’o have fallen out.
According to i, Onana and Eto’o, who is the chief of the Cameroonian FA, have not seen eye to eye since his acrimonious exit from the World Cup in 2022.
It is further stated that Eto’o did not want the United player in the squad at all while he told Song not to play him against Gambia.
It comes after a disappointing performance for Cameroon in their 3-1 defeat to Senegal.
The AFCON champions had three shots on target, all of which were let in by Onana, including a weak attempt to save Sadio Mane’s late effort.
That also included a bizarre moment where the goalkeeper sprinted up the pitch to give advice on a free-kick, which went horrifically wide.
Onana was already a late arrival at AFCON this year after United requested he leave against Tottenham in the Premier League on January 14.
Onana has come under criticism at AFCONCredit: AFP
Cameroon boss Song has made the decision to drop OnanaCredit: AFP
After the Indomitable Lions drew against Guinea in the opening match, it has left them with just one point from two games.
With Cameroon’s first match of the tournament going ahead a day later, the goalkeeper jetted straight to Ivory Coast where AFCON is being held this year.
However, he did not make it in time with his flight diverted due to bad weather.
It saw the 27-year-old ostracised from the squad before being recalled for the Senegal loss, which has left Cameroon on the brink of elimination.
Onana had retired from international duty after falling out with manager Song at the World Cup in 2022.
But the two settled their differences ahead of AFCON this year which saw the United star reverse his decision.
It has been a tough season for the former Inter Milan star at Old Trafford, who made the switch to the Premier League in the summer.
Tasked with filling David de Gea’s boots, Onana has been guilty of several howlers already this season.
Nevertheless, only two goalkeepers have more clean sheets than the Cameroonian this season – Liverpool’s Alisson and Everton stopper Jordan Pickford.