Qatar 2022: Hongla Apologises After Publicly GHOSTING Kalla

Indomitable Lions midfeilder Martin Hongla has publicly apologised for not shaking the hand of Cameroon’s team manager Raymond Kalla after he was substituted in his side’s 1-0 defeat on Thursday.

As Cameroon tried to find a way back into the contest against Switzerland, Hellas Verona man – Martin Hongla had to make way for Gael Ondoa at the 68th minute.

Hongla who wasn’t impressed had shown from his outward appearance and reluctantly touched the palm of coach Rigobert Song before avoiding to salute Raymond Kalla as he made his way to the bench.

Hongla’s action sent social media agog as fans of the Indomitable Lions thought it was not the sanest thing to do. In fact, it was considered utter disrespect to someone who won 63 caps for Cameroon, and participated at three consecutive FIFA World Cups: 1994, 1998 and 2002. Kalla was equally victorious in the 2000 and 2002 African Cup of Nations squads. Putting all his achievements together, an action of that sort could go on to earn Hongla – national infamy.

‘I am sorry. It was a misunderstanding. When I greeted the coach, I didn’t notice that he (Kalla) also held out his hand to me. I did not do it consciously, it was an unconscious act. It was not a good move on my part. He is like a father to me,’ Hongla recounted the incident through Footazimuts.

Martin Hongla with the rush of adrenaline and a touch of frustration alleged that he didn’t see the extended arm of Kalla.

The midfeilder will now need to put everything behind him and prepare for Cameroon’s next game Monday Nov. 29 against Serbia.