AFCON: Onana Reluctant to Play for Cameroon

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is weighing his options of representing his country in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, American international basic cable sports channel ESPN has been told.

After accepting and helping the Indomitable Lions to qualify for the competition in September, ESPN says his continuation with team is uncertain as he appears “reluctant”.

Citing an unidentified source, the channel said this is due to the former Inter Milan goalkeeper’s poor form at the start of the season.

United have lost six of their 10 matches in all competitions this season, having conceded 18 goals.

But Manager Erik Ten Hag is “happy” and confident about with Onana’s goalkeeping.

“Andre was in one semi-final of the Champions League [with Ajax], he was in the final last season [with Internazionale] so he has capabilities to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he has shown that. We have already seen in games his great capabilities, also his personality. He will bounce back.”

In a statement posted on his social media platforms last month, the 27-year-old gave a nod to his call-up by Coach Song Bahanag Rigobert for their AFCON qualifier against Burundi on September 12.

In his statement, he said despite “injustice and manipulation” in his career in recent months, he chooses to represent his country for whom he has an “unwavering love and attachment”.

“Faced with manipulation, lies and abuse of power, I choose to remain faithful to my ideal, proudly representing a country that deserves our sincere commitment. This is the time to unite, to work in harmony for our common good: Cameroon.”

He highlighted, “My desire to represent my country has never wavered since my youth, and this aspiration remains an inseparable part of my identity. Nothing and no one can shake this conviction. I respond to my nation’s call with unwavering certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream but also to respond to the expectation and support of Cameroonians, who deserve a national team determined to shine.”

Cameroon with his help won the game against Burundi by 3-0 to book their ticket for the AFCON scheduled to take place in Abidjan in Cote D’Ivoire from 13 January to 11 February 2024.

Cameroon have won the title to their name five times- three short of Egypt’s.