Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana conceded a shocking goal as Cape Verde secured a momentous victory over Cameroon, to move within touching distance of World Cup qualification.
Onana starts for Cameroon as he closes in on Trabzonspor move
Despite speculation over his United future ahead of an imminent loan switch to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, Onana started in goal for Cameroon at Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Tuesday.
Over the weekend, United and Trabzonspor reached an agreement over a season-long loan move for Onana, who has fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim.
The shot-stopper also gave his approval for a deal to get over the line. He is expected to fly to Turkey on Thursday to complete the transfer.
Onana and Mbeumo fail to lift Cameroon in loss to Cape Verde
Heading into the meeting with Cape Verde, Cameroon were trailing the hosts by a single point in Group D.
The Indomitable Lions were heavy favourites to run out victors but Cape Verde pulled off a stunning upset, with striker Dailon Livramento scoring the only goal of the match.
Cape Verde regained possession in midfield and launched a swift counter, with Livramento bursting from his own half, cutting through the Cameroon defence, and firing past a helpless Onana, whose weak attempt to stop the shot proved futile.
This goal by Cape Verde’s Livramento on Andre Onana and Cameroon 😮 pic.twitter.com/9mVSEWXih9
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 9, 2025
It was the kind of cheap goal that has too often defined Onana’s spell at United, since joining the club from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023.
Meanwhile, Mbeumo was not able to produce any of the heroics that he showed in Cameroon’s last match, which ended in a 3-0 victory over Eswatini.
Against Cape Verde, Mbeumo was on the pitch for 87 minutes before he was taken off and replaced by Dynamo Moscow’s Nicolas Moumie Ngamaleu.
The defeat has put a huge dent on Cameroon’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Cape Verde, on the other hand, are just one win away from booking a historic spot in football’s most prestigious competition.
In African qualifying, only the nine group winners are guaranteed a place at the finals. The four best second-placed teams will then head into play-offs for a chance to reach next year’s intercontinental tournament.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
