Cameroon coach Rigobert Song has given reasons why goalkeeper Andre Onana was not included in his squad.
Song says Onana asked not to play their second group match at the World Cup amid reports of a falling out between the pair in Qatar.
The report added that things are believed to have gotten heated between Song and Onana during a training session over the weekend when the Cameroon coach asked his goalkeeper to change his style of play.
Onana came through Barcelona’s academy and spent years playing in Ajax’s possession-focused team, with a play style of building up from the back via the keeper.
But Song felt that style didn’t suit his Cameroon team and told Onana to go more direct and not take any risks near his own goalpost, instead wanting to see more ‘traditional’ goalkeeping.
It appeared that Onana did not take too kindly to Song’s suggestion, with the report claiming the pair had a rather significant bust-up.
Inter Milan keeper Onana started for the Indomitable Lions in their Group G opener against Switzerland, a 1-0 defeat, but he was replaced by Devis Epassy for Monday’s 3-3 draw against Serbia.
He was not listed among the substitutes.
According to BBC, the 26-year-old had been sanctioned for disciplinary reasons, but no details have been released by the country’s football federation.
“He is an important player, but we are in a difficult tournament,” said Song.
“I know what I have to do, and that is to ensure that the team takes precedence over any individuals.
“Andre wanted to step out and we accepted that position. In a squad, discipline is important.”
Onana started all of Cameroon’s games this year, having served a nine-month doping ban last year.
