Surprisingly, Cameroon’s manager Rigobert Song decided to sideline Onana for his team’s crucial AFCON group match against The Gambia. After trailing 2-0, the Indomitable Lions rallied for a 3-2 victory that eliminated The Gambia and advanced them to the next round of matches based on goals scored. Following the game, Cameroon displayed their players’ triumphant celebrations, with Onana dismissing his disappointment at not being able to play and joining in with his teammates.
🔴 Enzo Tchato et André Onana :
« C’EST LE CONTINENT ! » ❤️🇨🇲#AFCON2023 #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/xkMA97N12H
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) January 23, 2024
Fabrice Ondoa, Onana’s cousin, started in his place against The Gambia and will be looking to hold onto his spot in what is turning into a challenging tournament for the Manchester United goalkeeper. He was left out of the team’s opening game and accused of “disrespecting” Cameroon for his tardiness to the competition. Subsequently, Onana committed a crucial error during Cameroon’s loss to Senegal and was benched against The Gambia. Onana will now miss Manchester United’s FA Cup match against Newport County due to Cameroon’s advancement, giving Altay Bayindir an opportunity to compete for a berth at Old Trafford.
On Saturday, Cameroon will play Nigeria in the round of 16. Who Song will start in goal is still up in the air; Onana was reportedly benched because of his ongoing conflict with Cameroon FA President Samuel Eto’o. In the meanwhile, Bayindir is expected to make his debut for Manchester United against Newport on Sunday when they play in League Two. Bayindir joined from Ankaragucu this summer.
