Andre Onana: Man United Goalkeeper Benched in Cameroon’s Starting XI Against Gambia at AFCON 2023

• Andre Onana has been relegated to the bench as Cameroon seek Round of 16 qualification at AFCON 2023
• The goalkeeper who missed the first game conceded three goals in Cameroon's second match vs Senegal
• Fabrice Ondoa has been named to start in goal for the Indomitable Lions against The Gambia

Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song has decided to drop Andre Onana to the bench as they seek victory against The Gambia in their final group game of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Heading into the massive fixture against the Scorpions, anything short of a win could see the Indomitable Lions crash out of the tournament.

With one point from two matches, Cameroon will chase the second spot in the group, even though there is another chance of finishing among the four best losers.

Man United star makes AFCON U-turn ahead of tournament

Football

Recall that Onana flew directly from Manchester to Abidjan in a chartered private jet0 but was absent from the first game of the tournament, which ended 1-1 against Guinea.

Onana was restored to the team in their second game, and they were thrashed 3-1 by Senegal, who have confirmed their place in the quarterfinal of the continental showpiece.

With 37 international caps to his name, Onana was replaced by Fabrice Ondoa, who plays for the French third-tier with Nimes Olympique, GOAL reports.

Onana's relegation to the bench could pose a threat to his confidence as he has continued to struggle at the club and international level.

The goalkeeper's chartered plane did not come cheap, with Man United said to have forked out a minimum of $100,000 for the flight.

According to the publication, the plane was hired from Visajet, who charge between $12,000 and $20,000 per hour spent in the air for a private charter.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles of Nigeria arrive in Ivory Coast ahead of tournament

Football

Man Utd fans divided over Onana

Sports Brief earlier reported that another day, another wave of criticism towards Andre Onana.

There is no end in sight to the back clash Onana is receiving, as the Manchester United goalkeeper conceded three goals against Senegal on Friday, January 19.

Having made a U-turn on international retirement in 2023, the 27-year-old repaired his relationship with coach Rigobert Song and was re-integrated back into the team.