Cameroon national team coach Rigobert Song has finally broken his silence on Andre Onana's controversial absence from the squad ahead of their opening Africa Cup of Nations match against Guinea.
The goalkeeper is set to miss his country's first game in Group C on Monday due to his recent Premier League appearance for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The shot-stopper is said to have been granted permission to join the squad later than others, in a decision that has since drawn many questions about the player's committment to the Indomitable Lions.
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Song, who previously fell out with Onana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has now broken his silence on the matter, according to Yop L-FRII.
"We all know that Onana remains one of the best goalkeepers," the manager said.
"If we gave him permission, it is because we know the qualities he has.
"At the group level, everything is going on well, and what interests us now is tomorrow's match and making do with what we have."
The 27-year-old was seen fying out in a private jet to join his countrymen just hours after the 2-2 draw against Spurs at Old Trafford.
According to The Sun, he is expected to be benched for the game against Guinea, with his distant cousin Fabrice Ondoa, who plays in the French third tier, reportedly set to take the No.1 spot for the fixture.
United, meanwhile, are without a match until their FA Cup fourth clash against either Newport County or Eastleigh on28 January.
In the event that Cameroon are knocked out in the group stage, Onana could be back in contention for the Red Devils and it is likely that the back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir will have to wait long to get his opportunity between the sticks.
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