It looks like there might be another chapter in Andre Onana's feud with Cameroonian national team manager Rigobert Song.
According to the Daily Mail, the Indomitable Lions goalkeeper had to be consoled after being left frustrated with his manager's decision to omit him from the squad for their opening Africa Cup of Nations game.
The former Inter Milan shot-stopper did not report for international duty like everyone else. Instead, he delayed his trip to feature in Manchester United's Premier League clash with Tottenham on Sunday, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Cameroon's opening game was on Monday but despite this, the 27-year-old managed to join up with the national team three hours before kick-off. This was after making a tricky 5,000-mile journey, having left for the airport immediately after the 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Rigobert Song's side were playing in Yamoussoukro, the capital city of the host nation Ivory Coast. However, due to fog, Onana was unable to land there and his private plane was forced to touch down 150 miles away in Abidjan before traveling the remaining distance by car.
The Manchester United ace, who already knew Fabrice Ondoa would start in goal, was left furious after he was told he had been omitted from the squad altogether. The player allegedly had to be calmed down by Senegal icon El Hadji Diouf.
Onana was caught on camera in conversation with Diouf but several reports claim that a lot more had occurred. In fact, some claim that the keeper was yelling after being informed of his omission, reportedly shouting: "If I wasn't going to play or make the team, then why did I come here on a private jet?"
André Onana ne prendra pas part à la rencontre face à la Guinée
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 15, 2024
Le gardien camerounais est arrivé au stade et a discuté avec El-Hadji Diouf#beINCAN2023 #beINEXPERIENCE #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/v2tG2uWSt3
El Hadji Diouf just has to find a way to calm Onana down as he's not happy with the decision not be part of the team today.
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) January 15, 2024
Told: Song didn't even have a word with Onana when he arrived in camp.
He decided to keep Onana away and not let him be part of the team today.
Took… pic.twitter.com/VL3MsuJSsE
'Andre Onana reportedly had to be calmed down by El Hadji-Diouf after he was left out of the Cameroon squad for opening Afcon game, having endured chaotic 16-hour journey.' via @hirstclass
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) January 16, 2024
André Onana est bien là.
— Lee-Roy Kabeya (@LRKabeya) January 15, 2024
Restez bien sûr @cplussportafr, il se pourrait qu'il vienne nous dire un mot. #AFCON2023 #GUICAM pic.twitter.com/8tsT5ma6rw
Cameroon drew their opening game against Guinea 1-1, which was a disappointing result. When asked about Onana's omission, Song was quick to play things down, stating that this decision was merely down to his late arrival and nothing more.
"It's logical, he arrived at 4 o'clock in the morning," the national team boss said. "How do you want him to play?"
'He's part of the group," the gaffer later added.
Despite that last statement, this could make an already shaky relationship even worse. The player and manager had an explosive falling out during the 2022 FIFA World Cup after the goalkeeper questioned the team's style of play. Andre was sent home packing, with the player later announcing his retirement from international football.
However, the pair sat down for talks which eventually led to the Manchester United ace reversing his retirement. Cameroon's upcoming game against defending champions Senegal will reveal a lot more about this latest development and its overarching impact on the goalkeeper's role in the team.