Amid a tough season forAndre Onana, the keeper was dropped for Cameroon’s game against Gambia. The Indomitable Lions went into the match needing a win to guarantee progression. Onana’s omission was a telling indictment of a poor season.
Highly Sought After in the Summer
Manchester United landed one of Europe’s most sought-after players when they signed Onana. Already a multiple title winner at Ajax, the shot-stopper won two more trophies at Inter. He also played in the 2023 Champions League final.
In one season in Italy, he played 41 times, keeping 19 clean sheets. With Inter forced to sell to balance the books, £43 million looked a relative bargain. But things haven’t gone well for him since the move.
High Profile Errors
Manchester United has a proud history. Multiple trophies during the Fergie era set high expectations. Even then, Old Trafford proved a graveyard for the likes of Massimo Taibi and Roy Carroll. Even French World Cup winner Fabien Barthez struggled at the club.
Onana’s predecessor, David De Gea was prone to the odd mistake. But the Cameroonian was on dodgy ground from the outset. He was fortunate not to get sent off in his debut against Wolves. Further mistakes contributed to Champions League defeats against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
By November, he had a reputation for poor distribution and shot stopping. With his confidence rocked, a strong showing in the AFCON would have been the boost he needed. But he didn’t look any more comfortable in a Cameroon shirt. After two group games, a popular Cameroon football bet was to back their elimination.
Was Samuel Eto’o Involved in the Decision to Drop Onana?
There is no doubt that Onana’s form has been questionable. But when the team sheet came out, rumors began circulating about a fallout with Samuel Eto’o. The legend is now President of the Cameroon FA and reports suggest he and Onana are not on speaking terms.
It’s unusual for an FA President to be involved in team selection. But Eto’o is no usual FA President. Still a much-loved figure and arguably the most famous Cameroonian of all time, he holds sway. If the rumors are true, Onana may have to do more than improve his goalkeeping to get back into the team.
World Cup Qualification in the Balance
Cameroon has qualified for eight of the last eleven World Cup tournaments. Last time out, despite beating Brazil 1-0, they were eliminated in the first round.
Currently top of their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, Cameroon’s place is not secure. Cape Verde and Angola both won their AFCON groups and appear to be on a better trajectory.
What Does the Future Hold For Onana?
Travel disruption meant Onana missed Cameroon’s opening AFCON group match. He was picked for the second game against Senegal but conceded three goals. Cameroon won without him against Gambia to get through the group stage. Fabrice Ondoa now holds the gloves. Should he perform well, it could be the end of Andre Onana’s international career.
Moreover, what could have been a confidence boost may have had the opposite effect.
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