ANDRE ONANA reportedly had to be calmed down by El Hadji Diouf after his nightmare journey to join the Cameroon squad for their Afcon opener.
The Manchester United goalkeeper had travelled 5,000 miles in less than 24 hours to make it in time for his side’s opener, only to be left out of the matchday squad entirely.
4Andre Onana was left out of the Cameroon squad to face Guinea despite facing a gruelling journey to get there in timeCredit: Instagram
4Former Senegal and Liverpool star El Hadji Diouf reportedly had to calm Onana downCredit: PA
4The pair were filmed in deep discussionsCredit: X @LRKABEYA
Onana had delayed his journey out to meet up with the rest of the Cameroon squad in order to play in Man Utd’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
But after doing his bit in helping the Red Devils secure a 2-2 draw he then headed straight for the airport to join up with his Cameroon teammates in time for their match against Guinea.
And despite a hellish journey – that saw him travel an extra 150 miles by car due to weather concerns – Onana arrived at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in time for kick off.
But it didn’t matter as the 27-year-old was informed he would be sitting out the game with Fabrice Ondoa starting in goal instead and both Devis Epassy and Simon Ngapandouetnbu named as the substitute keepers.
It is reported by the Daily Mail that Onana was left frustrated at his omission from the squad and Senegal legend Diouf was forced to intervene to calm him down.
It is said that Onana could be heard shouting: “If I wasn’t going to play or make the team, then why did I come here on a private jet?”.
And footage of Diouf showed the former Liverpool and Bolton man chatting to a seemingly pent up Onana at the stadium.
Without his contribution Cameroon only managed a draw in their first game of the tournament.
Rigobert Song’s side shared the points with Guinea in a 1-1 draw despite playing against 10 men for the entirety of the second half.
Onana will be hoping he is more involved when Cameroon face Afcon holders Senegal on Friday.
But may be left out once again by boss Song after he missed Cameroon’s pre-championship game against Zambia to assist United in a 2-0 FA Cup third-round win against Wigan last week.
Onana’s international duties leave Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag with his number two Altay Bayindir until he returns from the Ivory Coast.
4Onana flew out late to join his teammates after staying with Man Utd in order to face Tottenham on SundayCredit: Getty
André Onana est bien là.
Restez bien sûr @cplussportafr, il se pourrait qu’il vienne nous dire un mot. #AFCON2023 #GUICAM pic.twitter.com/8tsT5ma6rw— Lee-Roy Kabeya (@LRKabeya) January 15, 2024
