Goalkeeper Andre Onana was excluded from the Cameroon squad for Monday's 3-3 draw against Serbia due to disciplinary issues, according to Rigobert Song, who emphasized that the decision "had to happen."

Despite allegations that the 26-year-playing old's style in the first World Cup loss to Switzerland was the cause for Onana's exclusion, Song declined to expound on the situation but was confident in his choice for the team as a whole.

Onana made the most touches outside of the penalty area by a goalie in a World Cup match (26) since records were kept in 1966 against the Swiss.

Song said: "The goalkeeper position is very important but we are in a tournament and I know what I have to do and that is to ensure the team takes precedence over any individuals.

"In a squad, you need discipline and if you can't fit in with that, then you need to accept responsibility for that. Perhaps sometimes you need to take strong action to help people come to the realisation that certain things need to be done.

"All the 26 players are in a position to play. I took a risk but I accept the responsibility. I am interested in the players that I have at my disposal. Andre has been left out, you need to respect the rules that apply to everyone. It was something that had to happen."

Devis Epassy, who should have done better with Serbia's second goal but otherwise displayed good leadership, was brought in to replace Onana.

Song added: "Everyone that did play was capable and those that didn't want to be a part of that, well they can be judged. Epassy showed he is also a very competent goalkeeper.

"I will talk about this in due course, I want to focus now on the Brazil game. We want to deal with players that want to be in the squad and that are proud to represent Cameroon.

"We are talking about one of the best goalkeepers in Europe [in Onana]. We don't question his ability but you do need to ensure the team takes precedence over individuals.

"For the time being I have asked him to wait and see if he is willing to stay with us. It's up to him to a certain extent, he will have to agree to accept the rules."