Manchester United goalkeeper, Andre Onana have been given a first national team call-up in eight months. This was after head coach Rigobert Song made his final list of 24 lions ahead of the 2023 AFCON qualifying match against Burundi on September 12, 2023.
The Manchester United goalkeeper announced his retirement from international football early this year after being dismissed from the Lions’ den during the 2022 FIFA World Cup for a disagreement he had with the coach.
The 27-year-old’s retirement from the National Team sparked diverse reactions – even from the government – to see the former Inter Milan goalkeeper back in the National Team. Although the player is in the list, he is yet to make an official decision on whether he will make a U-turn to the National Team.
Another player who has been called up is Sivasspor’s Njie Clinton who has recorded one goal plus one assist in the Turkish Super Lig this season. The former Tottenham Hotspur forward has not played for the National team since February 3, 2022, in the AFCON 2021 semifinal defeat to Egypt as he was sidelined for lack of form during that period.
With his present form of consistency with eight goals in 10 matches, coach Rigobert Song said that: “When you look at the stats, he’s the MVP. He scores every shot. So I don’t understand why today we wouldn’t call him.”
Despite having Njie Clinton and Andre Onana in the squad, there are some noticeable absentees like Kunde Malong, Fai Collins, Jean Castaletto and Martin Hongla. However, there are still players in the list that can make Cameroon proud on September 12.
Cameroon will be looking for their 21st AFCON participation, as coach Rigobert Song’s tactics has been widely criticised since he took charge of Cameroon’s National Team in February last year. In fact, the gaffer is yet to win a home match during that period.
However, senior Sports Consultant Lawrence Nkede opines that Coach Rigobert Song must up his game if Cameroon is to get a positive result over Burundi.
“Cameroon needs to mount pressure upfront, control the game by maintaining possession, and dictate the pace, leaving no breathing space for Burundi – which will eventually adopt the counter-offensive play style. Song also needs to adhere to tactical flexibility; preparing to make tactical changes during the match if necessary – adapting to the flow of the game, making substitutions ONLY when needed can help Cameroon gain an advantage over Burundi”, Said Lawrence Nkede.
Cameroon play against the Swallows of Burundi on September 12, 2023, at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua.
Complete list.
Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy, Fabrice Ondoua, Andre Onana.
Defenders: Darlin Yongwa, Christopher Wooh, Nouhou Tolo, Malcom Bokele, Oumar Conzalez, Enzo Tchato, Olivier Mbaizo, and Harold Moukoudi.
Midfielders: Zambo Anguissa, Francois Muche, Gael Ondoua, Oum Gouet, Olivier Ntcham, Olivier Kemen and Elliott Njongoue.
Forwards: Karl Toko, Moumi Ngameleu, Bryan Mbeumo, Clinton Njie, Vincent Aboubakar and Choupo Motin.
