Goalkeeper Andre Onana of Manchester United was unable to play in Cameroon’s opening AFCON match against Guinea, despite his plans to be available in time. His flight was grounded.

Onana participated in the whole 90 minutes for his team on Sunday, but Erik ten Hag’s team lost 2-2 against Tottenham at home. The 27-year-old was supposed to play in the Premier League match before flying to the Ivory Coast to play for his country the next day, but he was unable to fulfill his agreement with Cameroon’s coaches.

That came when it was made public that inclement weather caused his private jet to be diverted to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, almost 150 miles away from the location where his nation launched its campaign in Yamoussoukro. The Indomitable Lions were selected in Group C against Guinea, Senegal, and the Gambia, and now face a challenging path to the AFCON knockout stages.

The Manchester Evening News stated weather conditions in Yamoussoukro made it difficult for Onana to complete his journey as scheduled. Thus, at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Nimes stopper Fabrice Ondoa began between the posts against Guinea.

And it seems to have harmed Rigobert Song’s team after some haphazard defense gave Guinea an early advantage over them. Despite Ondoa’s best attempts, Mohamed Bayo, a striker for Le Havre on loan from Lille, scored in the ninth minute after a poor attempt to play out from the back.

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It is claimed that Onana drove the remainder of the way after fog enveloped Yamoussoukro Airport. And since he was unable to play for his nation in an important match, those extra hours might have been the deciding factor.

Guinea could be the least difficult opponent in Cameroon’s group, given that Senegal won the AFCON in 2021—the year the Gambia qualified for the quarterfinals for the first time. Furthermore, if United leaves the Ivory Coast early, Onana’s decision to stick around and demonstrate his allegiance to the team could have an effect on his nation.

The next time Ten Hag’s team plays is on January 28, when they take on Newport County or Eastleigh in the FA Cup fourth round. Summer signing Altay Bayindir – who arrived from Fenerbahce in the summer – could get his chance to start that game in Onana’s absence having yet to earn his senior United debut.

Onana might return in time to hold his spot for that match, though, if he exits the AFCON group stage. By the time of Cameroon’s last group match against Gambia on January 24, it might already be too late to finish in the top two in their pool.