Cameroon head coach Rigoberto Song dropped his first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana, on Monday, November 28, ahead of their encounter with Serbia.
The Indomitable Lions, who are in Group G alongside Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia, were in search of their first points at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, having lost their opener against the Swiss.
Devis Epassy stepped in for Onana in a match that ended in a 3-3 draw. Later, a statement from the Cameroon FA (Fecafoot) clarified that the player was temporarily suspended from the team.
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“The Cameroon Football Federation hereby informs the public that following Rigobert Song Bahanag's decision, Head Coach of the Indomitable Lions, the player André Onana has been temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons.
"The Cameroon Football Federation reiterates its full support to the Head Coach and his entire staff as they implement the Federation's policy aimed at preserving discipline, solidarity, complementarity and cohesion within the national team,” part of the statement read.
After the match, Song did not explain why he made the decision, only noting that the team must be united.
Various reports suggest that the goalkeeper differed with his coach on tactics, with Onana refusing to change his playing style, which led to his ouster.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Inter Milan goalkeeper decided to leave the World Cup permanently.
In the statement by the Cameroon FA, the federation noted that it will continue to ensure that the team is working in a conducive environment to help produce good performances.
Cameroon will play Brazil in their last group match on December 2, with a win paramount if the team is to advance to the tournament's next round.
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