Egypt have postponed their travel to Cameroon two days before the competition’s opening game.
Last month, several reports claimed the African football authorities might postpone the Africa Cup of Nations. However, despite the rising cases of the Omicron variant across Africa, CAF has decided to adhere to its original calendar.
With several European clubs suffering Covid outbreaks, it is not surprising to see the national teams report more cases. Egypt, who are the record-winners of AFCON, have postponed their flight to Cameroon.
The Pharaohs have changed their plans to travel on Friday, with the national team booking a new flight on Saturday.
“Unprecedented times. The more the situation becomes difficult, the more we stay together and strong,” Egypt manager Carlos Queiroz tweeted.
The number of positive cases in Egypt’s squad is unclear. However, the Pharaohs have cancelled their training session on Friday due to the reported Covid cases.
“Better we stand together and focus on what we need to do to meet the challenges,” Queiroz added.
“Dear Friends and Team Mates, we all pray for your health, wishing fast recovery and return to our Team.”
Egypt will start their AFCON campaign with a Group D game against Nigeria on Tuesday. The Pharaohs are among the favourites to win the tournament. However, their Covid situation might cause personnel problems for Queiroz.
Egypt are not the first AFCON participants grappled by the virus. On Thursday, Gabon announced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has tested positive for the virus alongside another one of their players.
Guinea have left behind Mikael Dyrestam, Morlaye Sylla and Seydouba Soumah at their training camp in Rwanda. The nation’s FA has not announced the number of Covid cases in their squad. Cape Verde, Tunisia and Gambia have also suffered Covid outbreaks at their training camps.
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