Africa Cup of Nations 2021: Comoros to field outfield player in goal despite Ali Ahamada negative Covid test
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Updated 24/01/2022 at 13:47 GMT
The debutants who shocked the world with their win over Ghana to progress to the last-16 saw their squad decimated by the return of a number of positive Covid-19 tests. With all three goalkeepers in the squad now unavailable, Comoros will be forced to face hosts Cameroon without a recognised stopper.
Comoros' goalkeeper Ali Ahamada prepares tp throw the ball during the Group C Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Comoros and Gabon at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde on January 10, 2022
Image credit: Getty Images
Comoros will be forced to field an outfield player in goal for their historic Africa Cup of Nations last-16 match despite goalkeeper Ali Ahamada testing negative for Covid-19.
The debutants are set to face hosts Cameroon after pulling off one of the all-time tournament shocks by beating traditional African heavyweights Ghana 3-2 to advance from the group stage.
However, any chances of repeating that sensational result were dealt a near-fatal blow when news emerged that many of the playing squad and management had tested positive for the virus.
First-choice goalkeeper Salim Ben Boina was already ruled out with injury while back up stoppers Moyadh Ousseini and Ahamada were among the positive cases.
Ahead of the game Ahamada then tested negative meaning Comoros thought would not have to resort to selecting an outfield player in goal for the match.
But according to CAF rules, any player who tests positive for coronavirus is required to isolate for five days before taking another PCR test 48 hours before his side's next match.
Aside from not having a recognised keeper, the underdogs have just 12 available players and will also be missing coach Amir Abdou from the sidelines.
CAF rules state that teams must fulfil their fixtures if 11 players are available, even if they don’t have a goalkeeper.
"A team will be required to play a match if they have a minimum of 11 players available who have tested negative.
“In the event of the absence of a goalkeeper, another player from the team must replace the goalkeeper, provided the total number of available players is at least 11.
"In exceptional cases, the Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations will take the appropriate decision."
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