PUNCH
Cameroon have recalled Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations clash against Burundi, with the final matchday of qualifying kicking off on Wednesday.
He was suspended and sent home after playing for the Indomitable Lions in their opening 2022 World Cup match against Switzerland, following a tactical disagreement with coach Rigobert Song.
But with Cameroon needing a win to be certain of qualifying for the 2023 Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, Song has convinced Onana to come out of self-imposed international retirement.
Title-holders Senegal are among 15 countries to qualify for the biennial African showpiece, and nine more places are up for grabs during the seven-day final round.
Here are six groups where qualifying slots are available.
Group C
Taking only one point from two matches against Namibia has put five-time champions Cameroon in a precarious position in a section reduced to three teams after Kenya were disqualified.
“Our backs are against the wall,” admits Song, a former Liverpool and West Ham United defender and two-time Cup of Nations winner as a player.
With no international-standard stadium in Burundi, the Swallows were forced to host Cameroon in Tanzania, when they last met and lost 1-0, with Karl Toko Ekambi scoring.
Group E
Central African Republic get a second chance to qualify for the first time, but they must defeat four-time champions Ghana, in Kumasi to succeed.
Victory over Angola last June would have sealed a historic place for the Wild Beasts. However, goalkeeper, Dominique Youfeigane, was sent off and they conceded a late goal to lose 2-1.
A major blow for the Central Africans will be the absence of captain and midfielder…
