23 January 2024 , 19:59
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It's safe to say that Andre Onana has endured a tense relationship with Cameroon boss Rigobert Song, and being left on the bench for their final AFCON group match versus Gambia may not have helped matters.
Onana arrived at the tournament late when his nation came to an agreement for the goalkeeper to play in Manchester United's draw against Tottenham, the day before Cameroon's opening match. He rapidly departed Old Trafford to make his way to the Ivory Coast before being unexpectedly left on the bench for his nation's opening match against Guinea.
The former Ajax and Inter shot-stopper was brought into the starting XI to face Senegal but was unable to make a save in a 3-1 defeat in which Sadio Mane scored. Scrutiny was placed on his performance but his coach refused to place any blame on his charge's shoulders in the immediate aftermath.
"I'm not going to blame anyone, I'm going to take responsibility," Song said, "My players fought. We must recognise that Senegal were better than us. The next match we will win and qualify for the next round."
Perhaps Onana was not absolved of all responsibility however, as he was only named among the substitutes to face Gambia in a must-win clash for progression in the competition. The Indomitable Lions scraped through group C after coming back from 2-1 down to prevail 3-2 in stoppage time and now it remains to be seen if Onana can reclaim his place.
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The United goalkeeper was previously suspended by Song for disciplinary reasons during the 2022 World Cup. The Cameroon boss suggested that the goalkeeper asked not to play in the second group match on that occasion. Reports at the time hinted that the duo disagreed on Onana's tendency to leave his box which came in contrast to the coach's tactics.
Soon after the incident, Onana announced his international retirement but decided to return in September 2023. Upon his comeback, the Red Devils star noted he had 'been confronted with ordeals marked by injustice and manipulation'.
Andre Onana played as Cameroon were beaten 3-1 by Senegal (Getty Images)Former teammate of Song, Patrick Suffo, did not believe the issues had been resolved that time. He told BBC World Service's Sport Today : "As far as being friends, I'm not very sure.
"I'm curious to see what's going to happen once they start working together again. The player came out and denied it was [a] discipline [issue], so many people in Cameroon understood that it was maybe other problems.
"I believe [Onana] said he didn't want to play while these guys were in charge of the team - Rigobert and the rest of the staff. I believe he is coming to play for Cameroon, not the manager or anybody else. That is sometimes a problem because you have to have the same view of football to be able to perform at the highest level."
Cameroon next face Nigeria on Saturday when a decision over the goalkeeper will once again be under scrutiny.