After the 2-2 draw vs. Spurs, Onana went to AFCON, but see what they did to him

Onana’s AFCON Ordeal: Manchester United Goalkeeper Left Fuming After Squad Omission

The drama unfolded for Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana as he embarked on a strenuous journey to join Cameroon’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the 2-2 draw against Tottenham. However, the ordeal took an unexpected turn as Onana found himself omitted from the squad for Cameroon’s opener against Guinea.

The Unexpected Journey:

After an agreement between the Cameroonian FA and Manchester United allowed Onana to stay in England until January 14, he played in the recent FA Cup win over Wigan and the Premier League draw against Tottenham. Following the Spurs game, Onana boarded a private jet to join his national team in the Ivory Coast, set for the AFCON.

However, the journey faced complications. Poor weather conditions prevented the plane from landing in Yamoussoukro, leading to a diversion to Abidjan. Undeterred, Onana continued the trip by car, covering the remaining three hours to Yamoussoukro, arriving just three hours before kick-off.

Squad Omission and Frustration:

Despite the sacrifices and efforts, Onana was surprisingly left out of the matchday squad by Cameroon’s manager, Rigobert Song. Onana’s cousin, Fabrice Ondoa, started in goal, leaving the Manchester United goalkeeper visibly upset. Reports suggest Onana voiced his frustration, questioning the purpose of his journey, stating, “If I wasn’t going to play or make the team, then why did I come here on a private jet?”

Footage captured Onana engaging in a conversation with former Liverpool forward El Hadji Diouf, who appeared to be consoling him during the disappointment.

Manager’s Perspective:

Manager Rigobert Song defended the decision, emphasizing the challenging circumstances. He explained, “We all know that [Onana wouldn’t play]. He arrived at 4 a.m.; how do you expect him to play? He’s part of the group. He joined us at 4 a.m., so he’s part of the squad.”

Despite the setback, Cameroon managed a 1-1 draw against Guinea, with Song expressing confidence in sticking to the full squad for the remaining matches.

What Lies Ahead:

Onana’s return to international football, following his brief retirement, faced its share of challenges. As Cameroon continues in the AFCON group stage with matches against Senegal and Gambia, the goalkeeper’s participation remains uncertain. If Cameroon fails to advance, Onana won’t miss any Manchester United games due to the Premier League’s winter break. However, a successful campaign may see him absent for league clashes against Wolves, West Ham, Aston Villa, and an FA Cup tie. The unpredictable journey continues for Onana, both on and off the pitch.