The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hamper preparations for the much-awaited 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to begin on Sunday, Jan. 9 in Cameroon.

Just days before the tournament, some teams were forced to cancel their training plans, others had to delay travel schedules, and another yet had to leave players behind.

Egyptian football authorities postponed the Pharaohs' flight to Cameroon until Saturday following positive infections in the camp.

Following that delay, coach Carlos Queiroz tweeted: "Unprecedented times. The more the situation becomes difficult, the more we stay together & strong. Better we stand together & focus on what we need to do to meet the challenges. Dear Friends & Team Mates, we all pray for your health, wishing fast recovery and return to our team."

Guinea on the other hand left three players behind at their training base in Rwanda after they tested positive for COVID-19, while the rest of their delegation departed for Cameroon.

According to the country's football federation defender Mikael Dyrestam, striker Seydouba Soumah and striker Seydouba Soumah were in isolation in accordance with local COVID-19 protocols.

Sadio Mane's Senegal, which was also scheduled to camp in Rwanda for final preparations, opted out of the trip to avoid the risk of players contracting the disease during travels.

Gabon has also been affected by the pandemic, as captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, midfielder Mario Lemina and assistant coach Yala Anicet tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Cameroon. They were all omitted from the team's training routines as they went into isolation.

A surge in continental COVID-19 infections last month sparked concerns over Cameroon's ability to host a safe tournament.

The European Clubs Association (ECA) threatened to block players from representing their countries at the tournament, with concerns over the rise in Omicron variant cases and travel restrictions put in place by government authorities.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) in response announced a raft of strict measures to be followed by players, staff, officials and fans to ensure their safety throughout the tournament.

Among the measures, fans will have to show proof of full vaccination and also provide negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours before they can be allowed into stadiums at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

Players will also undergo tests during the tournament, and the continental body has contracted a foreign entity to be in charge of the tests throughout the month-long event.