Comoros Island To Field Outfield Player In Goal Against Cameroon Due to Coronavirus Infections

The AFCON newcomer are in position to input an outfield player in goal as all the three recognized shot-stoppers are unavailable.

 

The Islanders will field an outfield player in goal versus Cameroon after seeing all their shot-stopping options affected by Covid-19 and injuries to some of the first players.

The island nation caused an upset by qualifying for the last 16 in their maiden appearance at the competition, and will now face the host nation, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

“We try to deal with it in the best way we can," Comoros general manager El Hadad Himidi explained.

“Without the coach, some major players and the two remaining goalkeepers, the situation is quite difficult.”

Speaking ahead of the Cameroon tie, Comoros assistant coach Jean-Daniel Padovani confirmed that an outfielder has been chosen to play in goal as the underdogs attempt to reach the quarter-finals.

"We've already chosen an outfield player who will start as keeper...It's a player who in training has shown that he can play as a keeper," Padovanni told reporters.

Currently two of the country's three keepers, Moyadh Ousseini and Ali Ahamada, have tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss Monday's match, while first-choice Salim Ben Boina is out injured.

In total, 12 of their squad have been ruled out through Covid, as has coach Amir Abdou.

Comoros will still be obliged to take the field if they have 11 players available, regardless of their position.

Comoros sprung one of the biggest surprises so far in this year's Afcon by dumping out a West African giant Ghana.

The Black Stars of Ghana were defeated 3-2 in a thrilling clash to bow out of the competition in the group stage, while their opponents clinched a place in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams with the best record.

Now another stiff challenge looms in the shape of Cameroon, who won their group unbeaten, with the winner facing either Guinea or Gambia in the last eight.