The 27-year-old, who currently plays for Manchester United, undertook a challenging 5,000-mile journey in an effort to make it to the Stade Charles Konan Banny.
The Marathon Journey
After featuring in Man United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, Onana embarked on a hectic journey. He rushed to Liverpool John Lennon Airport for a late evening flight to Ivory Coast, followed by a 150-mile drive to the stadium. Despite the exhausting travel, Onana arrived merely three hours before the 5 pm kick-off.
A Disheartening Outcome
To Onana's dismay, he discovered that Fabrice Ondoa would be the starting goalkeeper, with Devis Epassy and Simon Ngapandouetnbu listed as substitutes for the 1-1 draw against Guinea. Pre-match footage captured Onana in a discussion with former Senegal star El Hadji Diouf.
Diouf's Intervention
Reports suggest that Diouf, who enjoyed a stellar career himself, had to step in to calm down Onana after being excluded from the squad entirely. The goalkeeper, understandably frustrated, questioned the purpose of his private jet journey if he wasn't going to be included in the crucial match.
Strained Relations and History
Onana's relationship with Cameroon boss Rigobert Song and football federation president Samuel Eto'o has been turbulent. His expulsion from the World Cup camp in Qatar 14 months ago, following an alleged disagreement with Song over his goalkeeping style, led to his international retirement. However, Onana reversed this decision last year, enabling his participation in the AFCON.
In the aftermath of this AFCON opener saga, questions linger about the communication breakdown within the team and the impact on Onana's future involvement. As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape the dynamics within the Cameroon squad and its consequences for the talented goalkeeper.
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