Andre Onana misses Cameroon AFCON opener after plane forced to land 150 miles away

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana will miss his nation's Africa Cup of Nations opener after his plane was forced to land over 100 miles away.

The Manchester United star has had a nightmare trip since jetting off straight after their draw against Tottenham on Sunday.

While Onana was not expected to start Cameroon's AFCON opener on Monday, he has been left stranded miles away from the squad.

Weather conditions in Africa have forced the 27-year-old's flight to ground in Abidjan in Ivory Coast rather than Yamoussoukro which is 150 miles away and where Cameroon are playing.

The Indomitable Lions take on Guinea at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Monday as they look to kickstart their AFCON campaign.

Nimes star Fabrice Ondoa or Devis Epassy of Abha Club are expected to start in goal over Onana, who had an agreement with club and country to join the squad late.

It comes less than 24 hours after the former Inter Milan star played the full 90 minutes against Tottenham in the Premier League.

The match finished 2-2 on Sunday afternoon as Onana made straight for the airport to join up with his international teammates.

And while he has reported for international duty, there is no way he will be able to attend the first match of the tournament.

Cameroon face Senegal and Gambia in their next group stage matches of AFCON with Onana expected to start both.

The AFCON final is set to go ahead on February 11, meaning United could be without their No. 1 goalkeeper for four matches.

Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is expected to stand in for Onana for the Red Devils and is likely to make his debut in the FA Cup against either Newport County or Eastleigh on January 28.

United then have Premier League matches against Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa that Onana could miss.

Another alternative option at Erik ten Hag's disposal is veteran keeper Tom Heaton, who is yet to play in the league for United since returning to the club in 2021.