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Comoros, the African Cup of Nations giant-killers, are dealing with a goalkeeping issue ahead of Monday’s greatest game in the country’s history.
On Monday, the tournament’s debutants face five-time winners Cameroon in Yaounde, but their camp has been plagued by 12 positive Covid cases, including coach Amir Abdou.
Seven players have been impacted, including Moyadh Ousseini and Ali Ahamada, the two remaining healthy goalkeepers in the squad, with first-choice Salim Ben Boina out due to injury.
“We will do everything we can to find a solution,” stated El Hadad Hamidi, the general manager.
“It’s the coach and the only fit goalkeepers,” Hamidi continued, “therefore the scenario is incredibly complex.”
Before the tournament, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared that teams affected by Covid must play matches even if they do not have a designated goalkeeper in their squad.
“If a club has a minimum of 11 players who have tested negative, they will be required to play a match,” CAF stated.
“In the case that a goalie is unavailable, another player from the team must fill in, provided that the total number of available players is at least 11.”
“In extreme circumstances, the Africa Cup of Nations Organizing Committee will make the necessary choice.”
Ben Boina had to leave the field after a red-card challenge by Ghana captain Andre Ayew in Tuesday’s Group C clash, and Comoros will hope his injury is judged an unusual case.
The islanders stunned the four-time winners by beating 3-2 and advancing to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Coach Abdou’s absence will be a significant blow to the team, since he is the driving force and inspiration behind their success, having overseen a complete turnaround in the minnows’ fortunes since taking over in 2014.
African powerhouse Cameroon, who has been in fantastic form so far, with captain Vincent Aboubakar scoring five goals in three group games, stands in their way of a surprise run to the quarter-finals.
Vincent Paul
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