Man Utd keeper Onana recalled for Cameroon qualifier

Man Utd keeper Onana recalled for Cameroon qualifier

BBC SPORT

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been named in Cameroon’s squad for their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The announcement comes nine months after he was suspended by his country’s federation midway through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 27-year-old Onana joined United from Inter Milan in July, taking over as first choice at Old Trafford from David De Gea, who left after 12 years at the club.

Onana announced his international retirement after his suspension was imposed for “disciplinary reasons”, thought to stem from a falling-out with Cameroon coach Rigobert Song.

In what would be a U-turn, the former Ajax player could line up against Burundi in a winner-takes-all Group C qualifier on September 12, ahead of next year’s African finals, to be hosted by Ivory Coast in January and February.

Speaking in a news conference after revealing Onana’s recall, Song said: “There were never any problems. I said at the last [news] conference that it was all up to him and he knew what he had to do.

“If he is on the list, it is because he did the right thing. He is one of the best goalkeepers. The door was always open, it is better to have all these players there than not to have them.

“There were never any problems with Andre and, as I said, he was the only one who knew what he had to do and we are satisfied that he joins the group and we really count on everyone.”

There was no immediate direct response from Onana.

Instead, on his Instagram stories channel, the goalkeeper posted a message on Tuesday with the African proverb: “The lie bears flowers but not fruit.”

BBC Sport has attempted to contact Onana’s representatives for clarification regarding his availability to Cameroon.

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