After falling short in Cameroon’s AFCON opening due to a race against the clock, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has “a lot to say” to critics.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has ‘a lot to say’ to critics
Andre Onana has responded to critics who said he was wrong to play for Manchester United instead of Cameroon in their African Cup of Nations opener.
Onana had traveled five thоusand miles in an effort to be a part of Cameroon’s squad for the tournament’s first match against Guinea.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has ‘a lot to say’ to critics
Despite having won his race against time by playing in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham less than 24 hours ago, the goalie was not selected for the Indomitable Lions.
After taking heat for missing the tournament to suit up for Manchester United, the 27-year-old has now spoken up.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has ‘a lot to say’ to critics
When forced to choose between Man United and Cameroon, Onana compared it to having to choose between his parents.
I always act in a way that benefits my nation. Putting my nation ahead of my family is a tough decision, but I must make the sacrifice necessary to serve my nation.
We stand in solidarity. ‘We are here to win.’
Video from before the game showed Onana talking to El Hadji Diouf, a former Senegal player who was reportedly left out of the team and had to step in to calm the angry goalie.
‘Why did I come here on a luxury jet if I wasn’t going to play or make the team?’ Onana allegedly yelled as tensions rose.
After Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Sunday, Onana had a harrowing trip to Liverpool John Lennon Airport for a late-night departure to Ivory Coast.
He had to reroute to Abidjan because the weather was too foggy to land in Yamoussoukro, the site of Cameroon’s Group C campaign opener on Monday.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has ‘a lot to say’ to critics
Three hours before the 5pm kickoff, the 27-year-old arrived at the Stade Charles Konan Banny after being driven the last 150 kilometers of his 5,000-mile trek.
Fabrice Ondoa was a given to start in goal for Cameroon against Guinea, but Devis Epassy and Simon Ngapandouetnbu were named on the bench as substitutes. The two goalkeepers played a 1-1 draw.
Samuel Eto’o, president of the football federation, and Cameroon boss Rigobert Song have all had tense relationships with Onana.
After what was supposedly an argument with Song over Song’s goalkeeping style, the former Ajax goalie was sent home from their World Cup camp in Qatar fourteen months ago.
Prior to being able to compete in AFCON last year, Onana reversed his decision to retire from international competition after his banishment.
The decision to bench Onana for the match was downplayed by Song.
It makes sense; he showed up at four in the morning. Who should he play for? With the words “He’s part of the group,” Song continued,
In the first match of the tournament, Guinea held five-time champions Cameroon to a 1-1 draw.
On Friday, Cameroon will face holders Senegal in a crucial group stage match, and Onana is expected to start.