AFCON qualifiers: Andre Onana returns to Cameroon national team

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana is back in the Indomitable Lions squad for next week’s final Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Burundi nine months after being suspended by his federation.

The Manchester United keeper has confirmed his return despite having faced what he describes as “injustice and manipulation”.

Capped 34 times, he was named in the Cameroon squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and featured in their opening defeat against Switzerland.

However, he was sent home by manager Rigobert Song due to ‘disciplinary issues’ thought to stem from a falling out between the pair over tactics.

The 27-year-old announced his international retirement shortly after the incident but is now set to make a return.

In a social media post, Onana talked of his “unwavering love and attachment” to his homeland but hinted at being disappointed with how things have played out.

“In recent months, I have been confronted with ordeals marked by injustice and manipulation,” he wrote.

“I answer the call of my nation with an unshakeable certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream, but also to meet the expectation and support of Cameroonians who deserve a national team determined to shine.”

Cameroon need at least a draw at home to Burundi to claim a place at January’s Nations Cup in Ivory Coast.

If Cameroon do qualify and include Onana in their Afcon squad, he could miss a number of matches for United.