Andre Onana's international career has suffered a significant blow after the goalkeeper was left out of Cameroon's squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament.
A Surprising Omission for the Experienced Keeper
The decision comes as a surprise to many, given that the 29-year-old has earned 53 caps for his national team. Onana was a mainstay during Cameroon's recent, albeit unsuccessful, World Cup qualifying campaign, playing every minute. His exclusion from the AFCON roster represents a dramatic fall from grace on the international stage.
This setback follows a turbulent period for Onana, who joined Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor on loan last summer after falling out of favour at Manchester United under manager Ruben Amorim.
Club Form Fails to Secure International Reprieve
Despite showing improved form for Trabzonspor, his performances have not convinced the Cameroon selectors to include him for the continental championship. The tournament is set to begin on December 21, with Cameroon drawn in a group alongside Gabon, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique.
Reflecting on Onana's departure from Old Trafford earlier this season, Amorim acknowledged the pressure at the club. "We saw Andre had a very, very good season at Inter. The quality is there," Amorim stated. "But in this club, the pressure is sometimes so hard on every detail... Our thinking is to have a change in the goalkeepers."
What Next for Onana?
This omission leaves Onana's future with the Indomitable Lions uncertain. While he continues his club career in Turkey, he will now watch the AFCON from afar. The move underscores the fierce competition for places and the high standards demanded by the Cameroonian football federation, even from their most experienced players.
For Onana, the focus must now shift entirely to maintaining his resurgence at Trabzonspor, in the hope that strong club displays can eventually pave the way for an international recall.
