Scores Rennes en direct
14 October 2011 | à 12h53

International : Kana-Biyik chooses Cameroon

International : Kana-Biyik chooses Cameroon

Born in France (Metz) of Cameroonian parents, Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik has finally chosen to wear the shirt of the "Untameable Lions”

One year ago, he had hit the headlines when he had denied a cap with the U21 French team (with which he already played five games), justifying his choice with his actual hesitation to opt for France or Cameroon.
In this Friday’s edition of L’Équipe, the Rennes defender finally affirmed to “have chosen Cameroon”, a call for which there won’t be “any turn-around”, since he “gave his word to the Cameroon federation”.

Kana-Biyik explained his choice with the desire expressed from the Cameroon side to see him play in their national shirt, “i didn’t feel this desire from France”. The Rennes player affirms to have made his decision at the beginning of summer, when Laurent Blanc announced his selection for three games in East Europa (in Bielorussia, Ukraine and Poland). The French manager then decided to call Younès Kaboul. “I was brought to think I am not good enough to play for France” commented Kana-Biyik, who denied being upset with this choice.

Like his father André Kana-Biyik, and his uncle François Omam-Biyik, the Rennes defender should therefore wear the Cameroon shirt. Although the “Untameable Lions”, eliminated, won’t take part in the next African Cup of Nations in January 2012, he hopes to participate to the qualifications for the 2013 ACN. The Cameroons team needs some fresh blood after the failed qualifications and a disappointing 2010 world cup.