AFCON: Big Issue For Comoros As 12 Players, Both Goalkeepers Contract COVID-19

The two goalkeepers of Comoros have reportedly contracted COVID-19 disease.

Naija News understands that Comoros will face Cameroon in the African Cup of Nation, AFCON round of 16 on Monday, January 24.

However, updates made available on Saturday confirmed that the East African country is struggling to put a team together as no fewer than twelve (12) key players and management have tested positive for Coronavirus disease.

The 12 positive tests according to reports include both of the Coelacanths’ fit goalkeepers, with the third goalkeeper, Salim Ben Boina already injured.

Part of a statement from the Comoros football federation on Saturday reads: “The Coelacanths affected by Covid include coach Amir Abdou, our only two goalkeepers, Moyadh Ousseini and Ali Ahamada.”

Naija News reports that the update was released on the Comoros Twitter page two days ahead of their match.

In a video posted on the account, general manager El Hadad Hamidi also named five outfield players who have tested positive: midfielders Nakibou Aboubakari, Yacine Bourhane, striker Mohamed M’Changama and defenders Kassim Abdallah and Alexis Souahy.

The development has since caused confusion in Comoros’ camp.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football rules for the tournament had stated that teams must play games as long as at least 11 players test negative for the coronavirus.

If no goalkeeper is available, an outfield player has to stand in, the rules noted.

“We are trying to do everything in our power to find alternative solutions” but “without the coach, without major players and especially without our only two goalkeepers who remained, the situation is quite complicated”, said Hamidi.