Andre Onana ‘calmed down by former Senegal star El Hadji Diouf’ after the Man United goalkeeper was left out of Cameroon’s squad for their AFCON opener… despite enduring nightmare journey to make kick-off
- Andre Onana arrived in Ivory Coast ahead of Cameroon’s AFCON opener
- The goalkeeper was still left out of the squad for the 1-1 draw against Guinea
- CHRIS SUTTON: Don’t wait! Sir Jim Ratcliffe must now fire Erik ten Hag It all starts
Andre Onana reportedly had to be calmed by former Senegalese star El Hadji Diouf after the Man United goalkeeper won a race against time to open Cameroon’s African Cup but was left out of the squad.
Onana had traveled 8,000 kilometers in an attempt to join the Cameroonian squad for the competition.
Footage from Onana’s pre-match showed the goalkeeper talking to Diouf reports claim the latter was forced to intervene to calm the Cameroonian star after being left out of the squad completely.
“If I wasn’t going to play or make the team, why did I come here on a private jet?” Onana reportedly shouted as tempers boiled over.
The goalkeeper played in Man United’s 2-2 draw Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, before leaving immediately Liverpool John Lennon Airport for a late evening flight to Ivory Coast.
Andre Onana, right, was engaged in a conversation with ex-Senegalese star El Hadji Diouf
Onana left for AFCON after Man United’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham but was not part of the Cameroon squad
Due to the foggy conditions, he could not land in Yamoussoukro – where Cameroon kicked off the Group C campaign on Monday – and he had to divert to Abidjan.
The 27-year-old then completed the final 240 kilometers of his 8,000 kilometer journey to the Stade Charles Konan Banny, arriving three hours before the 5pm kick-off.
Onana already knew that Fabrice Ondoa would start in goal against Guinea, but Devis Epassy and Simon Ngapandouetnbu were named as the two replacement goalkeepers on the Cameroon bench for the 1-1 draw.
Onana has had a fraught relationship with Cameroon boss Rigobert Song and football federation president Samuel Eto’o.
The former Ajax goalkeeper was sent home from the World Cup camp in Qatar fourteen months ago after an alleged argument with Song about his goalkeeping style.
Onana announced his international retirement following his expulsion, before reversing the decision last year, allowing him to play at AFCON.
Song downplayed the significance of Onana being left out of the squad for the match.
Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song played down the significance of Onana’s absence
The five-time winners fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Guinea in their opening match
‘It makes sense, he arrived at four in the morning. How do you want him to play?’ Song said and added, “He is part of the group.”
Five-time winners Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by Guinea in the opening match of the tournament.
Mohamed Bayo gave Guinea a shock 10-minute lead before captain Francois Kamano was sent off for a stamp in first-half stoppage time.
Frank Magri, the victim of the stamp, equalized for Cameroon in the second half by heading in a cross from Georges-Kevin Nkoudou.
