COSTLY MISTAKE

Why Onana was dropped out of Cameroon squad

Legendary striker Samuel Eto’o attempted to mediate in the dispute to no avail.

In Summary

• The argument is reported to have been over the keeper’s preference to try and play the ball out from the back, rather than sending his kicks far up the pitch, with Song recriminating with him for taking too many risks.

• Onana will play no further part in the World Cup, with Devis Epassy, who plays his club football for Abha in Saudi Arabia and who has just five international appearances given the nod against Serbia.

Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana Onana (C) in action with Egypt's Mo Salah during a past Africa Cup of Nations match in Yaounde, Cameroon
Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana Onana (C) in action with Egypt's Mo Salah during a past Africa Cup of Nations match in Yaounde, Cameroon
Image: XINHUA

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana was removed from their squad just hours before their Group G game against Serbia on Monday.

The Inter Milan keeper, who played in their opening defeat to Switzerland, was dropped for the game and not included among the matchday substitutes after being dismissed following an argument with Cameroon coach, Rigoberto Song.

The argument is reported to have been over the keeper’s preference to try and play the ball out from the back, rather than sending his kicks far up the pitch, with Song recriminating with him for taking too many risks.

Onana will play no further part in the World Cup, with Devis Epassy, who plays his club football for Abha in Saudi Arabia and who has just five international appearances given the nod against Serbia.

Legendary striker Samuel Eto’o attempted to mediate in the dispute between Onana and Song, but to no avail and squad sources have been quoted as saying the relationship between the pair is “irreversible”.