Before and after the crucial match against Gambia, the emotions of Cameroonians went through a roller coaster, but the story that stood out the most was that of Indomitable Lions goalkeeper André Onana. The Red Devil has demonstrated remarkable leadership despite the controversies surrounding its participation in Afcon 2023.
Arriving just a day before Cameroon’s first match at Afcon 2023, André Onana initially missed the draw (1-1) against Guinea. His tenure during the defeat (3-1) against Senegal was criticized. Specialists even highlighted his lack of involvement, particularly on the third goal scored by Sadio Mané in stoppage time while the Indomitable Lions were pushing to equalize. The Al Nassr striker’s goal against the run of play completely dashed Cameroon’s hopes.
As the crucial match against Gambia approached, coach Rigobert Song made the decision to relegate Onana to the bench in favor of Fabrice Ondoa. Unhappy with this decision, the former Nerazzurri would have had a rather heated verbal exchange with the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoo), Samuel Eto’o. This sparked speculation about a possible fight.
The beautiful gesture of André Onana during Cameroon-Gambia
A few hours before the match against Gambia on the third day of the group stage, national interest took over. Rigobert Song decided to start the match with Fabrice Ondoa in goal. And despite this, André Onana behaved very well throughout his stay on the bench against the Scorpions. First, it is he who gives the voice when the Indomitable Lions enter the stadium.
Despite his place on the bench, Onana showed undeniable patriotism and exemplary leadership. Unlike his departure from the Cameroon national team during the 2022 World Cup, he remained with his teammates, showing himself as a driving force on the bench.
During the match against Gambia, while the Indomitable Lions seemed to lose control after being behind (2-1, 85th minute), Onana came off the bench to remobilize his partners. He shouted at the top of his lungs: “Everything is possible, move, play, don’t give up.” He somehow instilled a spirit of fighting and determination in his teammates.
This intervention had a significant impact, because the Indomitable Lions finally reversed the situation and won the match (2-3) to qualify for the round of 16 of Afcon 2023. In the locker room, the joy was palpable, everyone players and staff members celebrated the spectacular comeback orchestrated by Rigobert Song and his team.
André Onana thus wrote a memorable page of leadership and dedication by putting the interest of the team before his own. He proved that even on the bench, his impact goes beyond goal-saving. It is in any case an example of resilience and leadership which will continue to inspire the Indomitable Lions in their journey to Afcon 2023. Rigobert Song’s men inherited Nigeria in the round of 16 of the competition and it is unlikely that André Onana can take Ondoa’s place in goal.
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