*Undated
A beautiful fairytale spell at the Africa Cup of Nations for Comoros is set to end as the team now faces the likelihood of playing without a goalkeeper. The Comoros camp has apparently been struck by 12 positive cases of Covid-19.
There are 12 cases of COVID-19 within the squad, with two of Comoros’ three goalkeepers positive. Moyadh Ousseini and Ali Ahamada are self-isolating, and will miss the round of 16 match.
Their third keeper, Salim Ben Boina, is out injured.
Under competition rules, a team only needs 11 available players to fulfill the fixture — regardless of whether that number includes a goalkeeper.
Comoros only have 12 of their 25-man-squad available, meaning that they will be forced to complete the fixture with an outfield player in goal, should those players remain fit.
Their head coach, Amir Abdou, has also tested positive for the virus.
A CAF statement explaining the rule reads: “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 eleven.”
Comoros general manager El Hadad Himidi said: “We try to deal with it the best we can."
“Without the coach, some major players and the two remaining goalkeepers, the situation is quite difficult.”
Comoros are appearing in their first AFCON, and sensationally beat Ghana 3-2 on Tuesday to secure their place in the knockout stages.
COVID-19 has affected several squads since the conclusion of the group stages, with Tunisia also experiencing 12 positive cases.
Comoros have been the shock of the tournament so far. In their first AFCON, the tiny island nation managed to progress through the group stage and into the knockout rounds. After losing their first two games - to Morocco and Gabon - they faced the tough challenge of taking on a faltering Ghana.
Incredibly Comoros, who had led 2-0, scored a late winner to claim the clash 3-2 and advance as the third-placed team in the group. However, their knockout round tie possesses the biggest challenge yet: the hosts, Cameroon.
Cameroon passed their group stage test with flying colours, winning two of their three games against Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Ethiopia.