Cameroon's Andre Onana LEAVING the World Cup after bust-up with boss

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana LEAVES the World Cup after a bust-up with manager Rigobert Song over playing out from the back – with legend Samuel Eto’o failing to resolve the issue in peace talks

  • Andre Onana has been axed from Cameroon’s World Cup squad after a bust-up
  • The Inter Milan goalkeeper fell out with boss Rigobert Song over playing style
  • He was axed from the playing squad in Monday’s superb 3-3 draw against Serbia
  • Onana was replaced by Devis Epassy, who conceded three in the thrilling game
  • Afterwards, Song said the decision was a ‘trigger’ for the country’s performance 
  • Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o orchestrated peace talks, but they have failed
  • Follow Sportsmail’s live blog for all the World Cup news and updates from Qatar
  • Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results

Cameroon’s first choice goalkeeper Andre Onana is flying home after being axed from the country’s World Cup squad.

The Inter Milan star, 26, was removed from the country’s playing squad for their thrilling 3-3 draw against Serbia on Monday after he was involved in a reported shouting match with manager Rigobert Song over the team’s playing style.

A further discussion with Song on Monday – as well as peace talks mediated by Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o – could not resolve the matter, with Onana now officially leaving the Qatar tournament.

Andre Onana is flying home from the World Cup after being axed from the Cameroon squad

It is believed to have come after a shouting match with manager Rigobert Song (right)

Song said: ‘In a squad you need to see discipline and if you can’t fit in with that discipline, with what’s required to be part of a squad, then you need to accept responsibility for that. 

‘We don’t question his ability – he plays for one of the top teams in Europe – but you need to ensure the team takes precedence over the individual.’ 

Marca claim the emotional dispute came after Song lambasted the stopper during training for taking too many risks playing with his feet. 

Legendary striker Samuel Eto’o (pictured) attempted to mediate peace talks but to no avail

His replacement, Devis Epassy, conceded three goals in the 3-3 draw with Serbia. After the result, Song claimed getting rid of Onana was the trigger for their comeback from 3-1 down to draw. 

The coach had wanted Onana to play in a more conventional and risk-free fashion and was unhappy with the way the keeper advanced off his line to start attacks from the back. 

After tensions cooled, Song and Onana are understood to have spoken after the session but the goalkeeper was adamant he would not change his style of play and Monday’s meeting could not resolve the issue.  

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored one of three goals for Serbia past Devis Epassy (left) in the draw

Epassy, who plays his club football for Abha FC in Saudi Arabia, had made just five international appearances before the decision saw him placed in the firing line against Serbia.

The point keeps Cameroon’s hopes alive but they must beat Brazil in their final game to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages – and if Cameroon do go further, it will be without Onana between the sticks.  

According to reports from Helena Condis Edo, Onana sees his relationship with the team as ‘irreversible’ despite attempts from Cameroon Football Federation president and iconic former striker Eto’o to mediate talks between the pair.




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