AFCON 2023: Who will keep Cameroon’s goals against Nigeria, Onana or Ondoa?

The Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this Saturday, January 27, 2024. Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Cameroon and Nigeria, there is speculation about who will be in the goal for the Indomitable Lions – André Onana or Fabrice Ondoa?The Lions reached this stage after a sensational 3-2 victory against Gambia in their last group-stage match. In that decisive game, Ondoa guarded the net for Cameroon, marking his second appearance in the tournament, with Onana having been preferred in the previous match.

During the three matches in the AFCON, Cameroon conceded a total of six goals. Ondoa conceded one in their first outing and two more in the following matches.

The Nîmes goalkeeper allowed three goals in two games, the same number that Onana conceded in a single match.

Even though Onana has faced Sadio Mané’s Senegal, it doesn’t necessarily make him the preferred choice solely based on the opponent’s stature.

Onana’s pre-tournament statistics are not in his favor. With Manchester United, he conceded 29 goals in 21 matches, further aggravated by the three goals conceded in the AFCON.

On the other hand, 28-year-old Fabrice Ondoa, despite playing in the third division in France, has demonstrated his capability to contribute to the team.

It’s essential to remember that Ondoa, the Best Goalkeeper of the 2017 AFCON, which Cameroon won, is participating in his fourth AFCON with the Indomitable Lions since 2015.

Currently, many observers are questioning who should be the next goalkeeper on the starting lineup against Nigeria.

Given Ondoa’s determination, commitment, and eagerness to win his first title, he might be the favored choice by Rigobert Song for the match against Nigeria.

The kickoff for the game is scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT.