Manchester United's goalkeeper, André Onana, is set to make a much-anticipated return to the Cameroon national team, but sources suggest it might be a brief one. The talented shot-stopper has committed to just one game, a crucial AFCON qualifier against Burundi on September 12th. This decision comes after Onana's hiatus from international duty, which began in December, following a disagreement with Cameroon's head coach, Rigobert Song.
Former Indomitable Lions player, Patrick Suffo, weighed in on the situation, stating that Onana's return doesn't necessarily indicate a resolution to the "problems" between the goalkeeper and the national team's coaching staff. While Onana's commitment to play again for Cameroon has been confirmed, the nature of his relationship with Song remains ambiguous. Suffo, who has shared the field with Song in the past, including during their victorious 2002 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, mentioned that the relationship between the two is "still a bit cold." He expressed curiosity about how their dynamic would evolve once they start working together again.
Onana's decision to return was not solely based on his commitment to the team. The Cameroon government played a pivotal role in facilitating his comeback. However, the 27-year-old's recent social media post, announcing his return, omitted any mention of Song. Instead, he emphasized his "unshakeable certainty" to play for his country again, praising the Cameroonian government's role in the process. He also alluded to facing "ordeals marked by injustice and manipulation" but remained resolute in his desire to earn more caps for Cameroon.
The stakes are high for Cameroon, as they need at least a draw in their upcoming game to qualify for the 2023 AFCON finals. The team has had a mixed performance in the group stages, with their most recent game resulting in a loss to Namibia.
For Manchester United, Onana's decision presents a double-edged sword. While his commitment to the national team is commendable, his potential participation in the AFCON could see him absent from the club for up to a month. This period includes crucial Premier League fixtures against teams like Tottenham and West Ham. If Onana decides to participate in the AFCON, United's manager, Erik ten Hag, would have to choose between Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton as potential replacements.
Onana's decision to play against Burundi was communicated to Manchester United during a meeting at Carrington. The club had been under the impression that Onana had retired from international duty, but sources suggest that Ten Hag understands and sympathizes with Onana's reasons for wanting to play against Burundi.
In the world of football, where club and country loyalties often clash, Onana's situation underscores the complexities players face in balancing their commitments. As the AFCON qualifier approaches, all eyes will be on Cameroon and Onana, as they navigate this challenging period.
