World Cup 2022: Coach Song blocks Andre Onana from Cameroon’s squad for “disciplinary reasons”.
Andre Onana (left) and coach Rigobert Song, pictured at Sunday’s practice session, have apparently been at odds over tactics
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Cameroon coach Rigobert Song has suspended Andre Onana from his squad after saying the goalkeeper asked not to play his second World Cup group game amid reports of a dispute between the two in Qatar.
Inter Milan keeper Onana started for the Indomitable Lions in Group G’s opener against Switzerland, a 1-0 defeat, but was replaced by Devis Epassy 3-3 draw on Monday against Serbia.
He was not listed among the substitutes.
In a statement, Cameroon’s Football Association (Fecafoot) said that “Following Song’s decision, Onana has been temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons”.
Fecafoot, now managed by former team-mate Samuel Eto’o, expressed “his full support” for the 46-year-old coach as he implemented a policy “aimed at promoting discipline, solidarity, complementarity and cohesion with the national team to preserve”.
Reports of dissatisfaction with Song’s tactical prowess have emerged from the Cameroonian camp, with coaches and goalkeepers disagreeing that Onana regularly ventures out of his box.
The former Ajax Amsterdam star had more touches (61), some far from his box, than any other goalkeeper in the World Cup against the Swiss, but his progressive approach seems at odds with Song.
“He’s an important player, but we’re in a difficult tournament,” said the coach after the exciting draw.
“I know what I have to do, which is to make sure that the team takes precedence over individuals.
“Andre wanted out and we accepted that position. Discipline is important in a squad.”
Onana started all of Cameroon’s games this year had served a nine-month doping ban last year.
Asked by AFP news agency if he would start Cameroon’s last game, Onana’s replacement Devis Epassy said: “You have to ask the coach” and insisted there was no problem at camp.
Indomitable Lions ‘show DNA’ with upcoming Brazil Test
Cameroon fought back from a 3-1 deficit to take a point and keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.
Substitute Vincent Aboubakar was instrumental in their comeback as he steered past the offside trap to stunningly thwart a goal with a lob shot before leveling three minutes later.
The result also ended an unwelcome record for Cameroon of eight straight World Cup defeats, a streak stretching back to the 2002 tournaments in Japan and South Korea.
“In these competitions you have to show the will to win,” said Aboubakar.
“My team-mates played a great first half despite a few minor mistakes. We felt that [Serbia] were shaky and a little tired. When I came on, I tried to make the best of it.
“[The] most importantly [thing] is to bring joy to the people of Cameroon. What counts is the mindset and the collective spirit and in that respect we made a great game.”
A point from two games means the Central Africans must beat five-time champions Brazil in their final group game on Friday (19:00 GMT) to have any chance of a place in the last 16.
Former Liverpool defender Song said his side’s spirited performance in the second half against Serbia was “part of our DNA as Cameroonian footballers” and believes they can create an upset against the South Americans.
“It was important to show that great fighting spirit and determination,” added the 46-year-old.
“We reacted as well as we could [at 3-1 down] to get back into the game. We’re making progress and improving.
“It’s possible to beat Brazil. We believe in ourselves, we didn’t come here just to pretend. Cameroon has yet to contribute to this tournament.”
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