Comoros' team poses for a photo prior to the Group C Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 football match against Ghana at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 18, 2022. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP via CFP)
Comoros' campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been dented by multiple COVID-19 positive test results ahead of the Islanders' round of 16 clash with the host nation, Cameroon.
The Coelacanths reported 12 infections, including positive test results by goalkeepers Ali Ahamada and Moyadh Ousseni.
Coach Amir Abdou also tested positive for COVID-19.
The Islanders, playing at AFCON for their first time ever, qualified into the round of 16 as one of the best-performing third-placed teams from the Group stages.
They qualified behind Morocco and Gabon, in a Group from which Ghana failed to make it through.
Since the start of the 2021 AFCON on January 9, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not postponed any match due to COVID-19, despite many teams reporting infections.
Prior to the start of the tournament, CAF issued a raft of strict measures to be followed by players, staff, officials and fans to ensure their safety throughout the tournament.
Among the measures, players are required to undergo frequent tests throughout the tournament. CAF has contracted a foreign entity to be in charge of the tests.
Fans are also required to show proof of full vaccination and also provide negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours before they can be allowed into stadiums.