Cameroon's Song: Onana not playing? The team is above any individual

After Monday's 3-3 draw against Serbia, Cameroon coach Rigobert Song explained the decision behind leaving out goalkeeper André Onana, insisting that "the team is above individuals" and that they made the decision because they want to show "a spirit of discipline and respect."

Reports before the game revealed that Inter stopper Onana, previously of Barcelona, had been removed from his position because of a disagreement over playing style. While Son wanted him to play long, he did not want to go against his own style of playing short.

“The goalkeeper position is very important," Song explained. "We are in a difficult tournament and I know what I have to do, which is to make sure that the team is above any individual. Onana wanted to be left out and we accepted it. There are 26 players in this team working for this competition together and we want to show that spirit of discipline and respect. We are here to prove it. He is a great goalkeeper, but we focus on the team.

“You have to adapt to the discipline of the team. If you can't do it, if you can't adapt to what we ask of this team, I think it's necessary to step aside and take responsibility. The team is more important than the individuals. I accept responsibility for the decision."

Initial reports suggested Onana has left the squad completely but Song did not confirm that was 100% true. Cameroon face Brazil on Friday.