Despite joining the Cameroon national team on Monday, Andre Onana was not included in the matchday roster for their match against Guinea.
After playing in Sunday’s Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, which resulted in a 2-2 tie, the goalie quickly took off for his country’s duty. However, bad weather prompted the plane to make an unscheduled landing in Abidjan, which delayed his arrival in Yamoussoukro, according to The Athletic. Manager Rigobert Song was obliged to leave Onana out of the matchday squad for their AFCON opener due to his delayed arrival.
⚽️🔥 #MATCHDAY
Voici les XI #LionsIndomptables qui commenceront le match. #CAMEROUN 🇨🇲🆚 🇬🇳 #GUINEE
📆 15/01/2024
⏰ 18H00
🏟️ Stade Charles Konan Banny
📍 Yamoussoukro #CMRGUI | #WECANMAKEIT | #CANTOTALENERGIES2023 | #CMRMAU | #GOLIONS | #ALLEZLESLIONS | #LETSROARTOGETHER pic.twitter.com/we80MHuVTV— Les Lions Indomptables Officiel (@LIndomptables) January 15, 2024
Less than twenty-four hours before their tournament debut, the 27-year-old had already told the Indomitable Lions that he will play on Sunday against Spurs. Samuel Eto’o, the head of Cameroon FA, even endorsed the decision. Fabric Ondoa has been added to the team’s starting lineup for the match against Guinea in lieu of the United star.
If Cameroon doesn’t advance past the group stage, it’s possible that the former Inter goalkeeper won’t miss a single domestic match for Premier League heavyweights. The athlete will return to his club before to their next match, an FA Cup fourth-round match on January 28, as their final group game is scheduled for January 23.
Erik ten Hag’s team are poised to face the winner of the match between Newport County and Eastleigh in the FA Cup before hosting Wolves in the Premier League on February 1.