Comoros to play without a goalkeeper against Cameroon

Comoros will take on Africa Cup of Nations hosts Cameroon in the last 16 with an outfield player in goal, it has been confirmed. 

After reaching the knockout stages by shocking Ghana 3-2 in their final group game, tournament debutants Comoros announced on Saturday they had returned 12 positive coronavirus tests in their camp. 

Among them were coach Amir Abdou and their only fit goalkeepers Moyadh Ousseini and Ali Ahamada, the latter of whom replaced the injured Salim Ben Boina in the first half against the Black Stars. 

With all three keepers unavailable for Monday’s clash with Cameroon, assistant coach Jean-Daniel Padovani confirmed Comoros would have to take on the competition’s leading goalscorers with an outfield player between the posts. 

“We’ve already chosen an outfield player who will start as keeper,” said Padovani. “It’s a player who in training has shown that he can play as a keeper.” 

Comoros only have 12 players available for the game. Competition rules state if a squad is without a goalkeeper but still includes at least 11 fit players, another member of the team must go in goal.