Onana’s Infamous Spat with Cameroon Coach Revisited as Goalie Is Recalled Back to Cameroon Squad

• Andre Onana has been recalled to the Cameroon national team ahead of the AFCON qualifiers
• This comes 9 months after the goalkeeper controversially walked out on the team during the Qatar World Cup
• Cameroon bowed out of the competition in the group stage after a win, draw, and loss

Andre Onana has been handed a lifeline on his international career as he was recalled back to the Cameroonian national team, nine months after the infamous Qatar World Cup controversy.

Cameroon coach and country legend, Rigobert Song announced that Onana was back in the squad for the nation’s upcoming qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable Lions come up against Burundi on September 12, knowing a draw will be enough to see them through to the finals.

Onana’s return to the national team will be a welcome sight for Cameroonians, as there is no denying his talent between the sticks.

Mamelodi Sundowns pursue Percy Tau return but face huge Al Ahly-sized problem

Football

At the time of his World Cup controversy, Onana was an Inter Milan player, but he has since secured a summer move to Manchester United for £43.8m.

Onana vs. Song in Qatar

So what happened between Onana and the national team that made him leave such a prestigious event as the World Cup?

Multiple reports at the time claimed that Onana had been involved in a ‘shouting match’ with Song as he was discontent with several things within the squad.

On Monday, November 28, the goalie was left entirely out of the squad ahead of Cameroon’s crucial match against Serbia.

As cited on EuroSport, Onana took a hard stance against Song’s apparent traditional style of play, and was unwilling to participate in it.

On Song’s part, the coach was growing increasingly impatient with Onana for his apparent stubbornness and risk-taking tendencies which entailed ‘taking too many risks by playing with his feet’.

Jurrien Timber confirms Arsenal fans’ fears with emotional statement on knee injury

Football

According to reports, what ensued was a standoff between the two gentlemen. Onana eventually left the Cameroon camp early, and his nation played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against the Serbians, as cited on Olympics.com.

Cameroon, however, exited the competition in style as they upset one of the favourites, Brazil, with a 1-0 win in their final group game. Onana has not featured nationally since the infamous spat with his coach.

PL: South Africans who scored

Sports Brief also reported on several South African players who have scored in the English Premier League.

Benni McCarthy leads the list, as the former Blackburn Rovers striker found the net 37 times in the Premier League.

Steven Pienaar, Shaun Barlett, and Philemon Masinga also make the list.