Comoros, who have proven to be giant-killers at this 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), will be without a goalkeeper and coach Amir Abdou on Monday.
That is when the tournament debutants face hosts and five-time champions Cameroon in Yaounde.
Their camp has been hit by 12 positive COVID-19 tests, with seven players being hit, including the two remaining goalkeepers in the squad.
And this has come with number one goalkeeper Ben Boina being out through injury.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that team officials have however assured that they were working round the clock to change the situation for the better.
”We will do everything in our power to find a solution,” team general manager El Hadad Himidi said.
“It’s the coach and the only fit goalkeepers, and the situation is really complicated.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had earlier ruled that teams affected by COVID-19 must play matches even if they have no recognised goalkeeper in their squad.
“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 Organising Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations will take the appropriate decision,” CAF had stated.
Comoros will now be hoping that the injury suffered by Boina could be considered an exceptional case.
This is because the goalkeeper sustained the injury and had to leave the field following a challenge which led to Ghana’s Andre Ayew being sent off.
NAN reports that Comoros had shocked Ghana 3-2 to eliminate the Black Stars and qualify for the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides.(NAN)
