André Onana seeks AFCON Call Delay. He is reportedly engaging in discussions with the Cameroon FA to potentially delay his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), next month. The Manchester United goalkeeper, a recent £43 million acquisition from Internazionale, has been selected for the Cameroon squad for the tournament commencing on Jan. 13 in the Ivory Coast. While Onana intends to join, sources suggest he’s striving to shorten his absence from Old Trafford.
Andre Onana Representing Cameroon
Cameroon plans a warm-up session in Saudi Arabia, culminating in a friendly match against Zambia on Jan. 9. However, André Onana is eager to be part of Manchester United’s FA Cup third-round clash against Wigan Athletic at DW Stadium on Jan. 8, just before Cameroon kicks off their AFCON journey against Guinea on Jan. 15.
The AFCON knockout phase starts on Jan. 27, with the final scheduled for Feb. 11. In between, Manchester United faces a busy schedule with a Premier League game against Tottenham on Jan. 14, a potential FA Cup fourth-round fixture on Jan. 27-28, and league matches against Wolves (Feb. 1), West Ham United (Feb. 4), and Aston Villa (Feb. 11). Maybe the reason André Onana is seeking the AFCON Call Delay
Onana had retired from international duty during the World Cup but returned in September, 2023. His absence during AFCON might prompt Erik ten Hag to grant a first-team debut to backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who joined in the summer from Fenerbahce. Despite not featuring for United yet, Bayindir played for Turkey in the recent international break. Additionally, the squad includes experienced goalkeeper Tom Heaton, aged 37.
Cameroon Squad by Rigobert Song, the Current Coach
Song excluded Bayern Munich striker Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting from the squad, attributing the decision to his absence from Cameroon’s last three matches, despite Choupo Moting’s significance. Additionally, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo won’t feature due to ankle surgery.
In a surprising move, 17-year-old Wilfried Nathan Doualla cut, marking his maiden call-up, while Vincent Aboubakar, the team captain, prepares for his fifth Cup of Nations finals appearance.
Cameroon is slated to meet Guinea, Senegal (the defending champions), and Gambia in Group C after their opener.
Full Cameroon Squad
Goalkeepers
- Devis Epassy (Plays for Abha Club)
- Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Plays for Olympique de Marseille
- Andre Onana (Playing for Manchester United)
- Fabrice Ondoa (Playing for Nimes)
Defenders
- Malcom Bokele (Plays for Girondins Bordeaux
- Jean-Charles Castelletto (Nantes)
- Oumar Gonzalez (Al Raed)
- Harold Moukoudi (AEK Athens)
- Tolo Nouhou (Seattle Sounders)
- Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke City)
- Enzo Tchato (Playing for Montpellier)
- Christopher Wooh (Playing for Stade Rennais)
- Darling Yongwa (Playing for Lorient)
Midfielders:
- Wilfried Nathan Doualla (Victoria United)
- Ben Elliott (Reading)
- Olivier Kemen (Kayserispor)
- Yvan Neyou (Leganes)
- Olivier Ntcham (Samsunspor)
- Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli)
Forwards:
- Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas)
- Leonel Ateba (Dynamo Douala)
- Frank Magri (Toulouse)
- Faris Pemi Moumbagna (Bodo/Glimt)
- Francois-Regis Mughe (Olympique de Marseille)
- Clinton Njie (Sivasspor)
- Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (Damac)
- Karl Toko Ekambi (Abha Club) (Reported by Mark Gleeson from Cape Town)