Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song has supported the decision by the Cameroonian Football Federation to allow goalkeeper Andre Onana to feature for Manchester United in their Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur before linking up with the national team in Ivory Coast.
Onana was recalled to the Indomitable Lions squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but was forced to stay behind and play for Man United in the game that ended in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
The action by Onana not to link up with Cameroon as per the deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) elicited a lot of debate on social media with many saying he had disrespected the competition and should not be allowed to play for Cameroon in the 34th edition.
However, asked if he had agreed with the federation’s decision to let Onana play against Tottenham, Song said: “Yes I agree, we all know that Onana is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. I think that if we gave him authorization it is because we know the qualities he has and what he is capable of bringing us.
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“He has experience. At the group level, everything is going very well, he always remains competitive. Now for us what interests us is the match against Guinea, to make do with what is there and to ensure that we achieve our objectives.”
He added: “There is a quality workforce there, those who are there will do the work. We are sad for Bryan [Mbeumo]. He wanted to play this AFCON. As a football player, it’s always painful to get injured. He wanted to be there, someone else is there in his place and will have to honor his selection and pay tribute to him.”