Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana has been removed from the Cameroon World Cup squad after he had a disagreement with head coach Rigobert Song over the weekend. Onana is the starting goalkeeper for Cameroon and his position coming into the tournament was not at all up for discussion.
For the match against Serbia on Monday, Onana was left out of the squad and Devis Epassy, who plays for Abha in the Saudi Pro League, was given the shirt.
Why is Onana out of the Cameroon World Cup squad?
It is believed that Onana and Song discussed Cameroon’s playing style at the weekend following the disappointing 1-0 defeat against Switzerland in their opening match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Song wanted Onana to play in a more traditional and direct style of play, rather than take any risks with the ball at his feet around the box. Onana did not agree with this and it seems the two could not come to any sort of resolution and have fallen out.
The decision is certainly final, given Onana has already left Qatar and is heading back home, news that Inter may quietly be rather pleased about. It would mean that he can train with the remaining players in the squad and take part in the friendlies that the Nerazzurri have planned for the break.
How is Onana doing at Inter?
Andre Onana’s move to Inter was one of the worst-kept secrets in Serie A for a very long time. Despite not being officially announced, it was known that he would be joining the club on a free transfer once his contract with Ajax expired.
He only just returned to action following his nine-month doping charge ban and that meant that when he joined Inter, there was some uncertainty as to whether he would be able to recreate his previous form which helped Ajax get to a Champions League semi-final.
He started at Inter as the Champions League goalkeeper whilst Samir Handanovic continued to be the starter for the Serie A matches. Shortly before the break for the World Cup though, he usurped Handanovic from his spot and became the number-one goalkeeper under Simone Inzaghi.
