11 January 2024 , 07:32
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Sebastien Bassong has hammered compatriot Andre Onana for "sending a bad message" after the Manchester United goalkeeper chose to remain at his club later than planned - ultimately missing Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations opener.
The shot-stopper recently came out of international retirement and has been selected by his country as they target continental glory. Negotiations were ongoing between Onana's club and his country as United sought to delay his departure so that he could play in this Sunday's clash with Tottenham.
That would've left with a tight turnaround as Cameroon begun their AFCON campaign less than 24 hours later against Guinea. Originally that was agreed on, but Onana has now decided to play for United but not rush to Africa, meaning he'll miss the opening game.
Bassong, who previously won 15 caps for his country, believes Onana's decision will further the perceived lack of respect for AFCON. He told the BBC : "That sends such a bad message, not only for Cameroon, but for the respect people will have for the Africa Cup of Nations and for the way they should treat us, the equality.
"If we don't even respect ourselves how can you expect other people to treat you any different. I like Andre, I'll always have his back when I have to, but when things like that happen.. the nation, the pride of the country and the continent is way an individual person."
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Onana's decision has been backed by Cameroon football chief Samuel Eto'o, despite the controversy surrounding it. Many of the tournament's leading lights, like Mohamed Salah, left their clubs when planned to begin preparations with their respective countries.
Andre Onana will miss Cameroon's AFCON opener to continue playing for Man Utd (Getty Images)Onana could yet return without missing a single United game should Cameroon be eliminated from their group containing Guinea, Senegal and Gambia. That would allow the goalkeeper to be back in time for United's FA Cup clash away to either Eastleigh or Newport County in the fourth round.
The main reason why the summer signing decided to join his national team this late is primarily due to his fear of losing his place in Erik ten Hag's side to Turkey's Altay Bayindir. Onana has struggled for form since moving from Inter Milan and doesn't want to gift his deputy any game time.