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AFCON: Comoros could avoid outfield player crisis amid COVID-19 havoc

Ali Ahamada
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The Africa Cup of Nations debutants might not have to start an outfield player in goal for their last-16 clash with Cameroon if allowed.

Comoros goalkeeper Ali Ahamada has returned a negative test result for coronavirus, although he may still not be available for Monday’s last-16 tie against Cameroon on Monday.

Ahead of arguably their biggest match in history, Comoros were at risk of having no goalkeepers. First-choice shot-stopper Salim Ben Boina is out with a shoulder injury. While Ahamada and Moyadh Ousseni tested positive for COVID-19 last week, forcing the pair to isolate.

It was part of a series of  COVID-19 cases in the  Coelacanths’ camp that saw several players, including manager Amir Abdou, forced into isolation.

Ahamada tests negative but still a doubt

Goalkeeping coach Jean-Daniel Padovani said on Sunday that they had selected an outfield player to start in goal, but the crisis may have been averted.

According to L’Equipe, Ahamada returned a negative COVID-19 test result on Monday morning. The 30-year-old could play against Cameroon in the last-16 tie. Head coach Abdou, though, remains sidelined. He will have to watch the game from his hotel room instead.

The Athletic, however, claim that Confederation of African Football (CAF) will insist Ahamada — as well as his team-mate Yacine Bourhane — observe a five-day isolation period. Therefore, he is still a doubt to face Cameroon.

The AFCON debutants have no reserve goalkeeper either, meaning they could still use an outfield player if necessary.

Comoros have been one of the surprise packages in their first-ever AFCON tournament. A 3-2 win over Ghana in their Group C finale ensured them of a knockout spot, as one of the four best third-placed sides.

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