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.@TonyTchani23 is now cap tied to Cameroon. Congrats Tony on your impact today. https://t.co/7668tjqwog
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) March 26, 2016
The tweet says it all.
Columbus Crew Midfielder Tony Tchani has chosen and it's not the United States. He's been called up by both countries and most recently by the USMNT in January for Friendlies against Iceland and Canada. January 31st was his debut with the USMNT side. Those friendlies did not cap-tie him to the USA, however. He's been called up to Cameroon and came on as a substitute in an African Cup Of Nations qualifier against South Africa today.
Cameroon tied South Africa 2-2.
On the surface this loss doesn't appear to have much significance to the USMNT. Tchani is 26 years old and an above-average MLS player. His value lies within the position he plays. As we've learned over the past year, the defensive midfield spot is one of real weakness for the national team. Behind Kyle Beckerman there is no one true No. 6 ready to take hold of the position. Tchani would've at least offered another option, but now he's out of reach.