Andre Onana, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, spoke extensively to Canal Plus after being unable to participate in Cameroon’s opening game at AFCON 2024 against Guinea.

Onana faced an arduous journey of over 5,000 miles in under 24 hours, flying in after featuring for Manchester United in the 21st round of the Premier League, where they drew 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur. His aim was to make it to Cameroon in time for their first match against Guinea in Group C of AFCON 2024.

However, due to adverse weather conditions, Onana could only reach the Cameroon team’s hotel three hours before the game. Despite his efforts, coach Rigobert Song opted not to field the 27-year-old goalie, and Fabrice Ondoa took his place. In the end, Guinea held Cameroon to a 1-1 draw.

Onana, having undertaken a strenuous journey but unable to play in Cameroon’s opening game, expressed his disappointment. Speaking to Canal Plus, he said, “I have a lot to sɑy, but I will keep it a sеcrеt because the tournament is still ongoing. I do everything for my country all the time. It can be challenging to decide between playing for Man United or Cameroon, akin to choosing between my parents. However, I promise to prioritize my country’s needs, which is why I’m here.”

Earlier, Onana sought solace from a picture of former Senegal star El Hadji Diouf on social media after learning that coach Song had not registered him to play against Guinea. This exclusion was linked to a past dispute between Song, Samuel Eto’o (head of the Cameroon Football Federation), and Onana during the 2022 World Cup. Despite initially vowing to cease playing for his country due to Coach Song’s decisions, Onana has since reconsidered and is committed to representing Cameroon at AFCON 2024.