Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has ended his self-imposed exile from international duty by accepting a surprise Indomitable Lions recall.
The Manchester United sho-stopper has been named in the Indomitable Lions’ 24-man squad for their upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi on 12th September.
The 26-year-old announced his retirement from international football last December after being dropped at the World Cup following a dispute with coach Rigobert Song.
However, Onana has made a shock return just eight months later after being welcomed back into the fold by Song.
The recall comes despite Onana being sent home from the World Cup after starting the opening 1-0 loss to Switzerland in Qatar.
He retired in protest aged just 26 but always maintained his “eternal” love for the national team amid the fallout.
Onana’s exile has proven short-lived and he now has the chance to add to his 34 Cameroon caps.
Song’s side only need to draw against Burundi on home soil next month to secure qualification for the 2023 AFCON finals.
Onana’s return provides them with a major boost as they aim to make amends for a disappointing World Cup group stage exit.
The former Ajax star joined Manchester United in the summer and will hope to put his international disappointment behind him.
Notable absentees from the squad include defenders Nicolas Nkoulou and Jean-Charles Castelletto along with midfielder Martin Hongla.
But the headlines will revolve around Onana’s shock return after his acrimonious World Cup departure seemed to end his international career prematurely.
Song will hope the experienced keeper can rediscover his best form in time for the AFCON in Ivory Coast next January.
Source: AFCON