Italian journalist Matteo Barzaghi has confirmed that Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana will play no further part at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar following a falling out with the Cameroon national team coach.
Reporting in a tweet, the Sky Sport Italia journalist explained that the reason for the disagreement between Onana and his coach was the tactical approach in goal, and that he is withdrawing from Cameroon’s squad.
Onana had been part of Cameroon’s squad going into the tournament, and had started in the Indomitable Lions’ first match in the group stage, a 1-0 loss to Switzerland.
However, the 26-year-old Inter keeper was left out for the team’s second match today against Serbia, in favour of Devis Epassy.
It was initially reported that Onana was left out for disciplinary reasons, but in fact the disagreement concerned tactics.
Barzaghi has confirmed that the Nerazzurri keeper will not just miss today’s match against Serbia, but any further matches for Cameroon at the tournament.
“Onana will leave Qatar tomorrow or after that,” he tweeted.
“Thus ends his World Cup adventure, following the discussion he had over the weekend with his coach Song.”
Onana lascerà il Qatar domani o dopo. Finisce così la sua avventura mondiale in seguito alla discussione avuta nel week end con l’allenatore Song. Alla base delle divergenze una differente concezione del ruolo e della tattica da adottare. #Cameroon #ONANA @SkySport
— Matteo Barzaghi (@MatteoBarzaghi) November 28, 2022
“The basis of their disagreement is different ideas about the goalkeeping role and the tactics the team should use.”