Comoros to play outfield player in goal against Cameroon at AFCON as strict COVID rules hit hard

FIFA's 132nd ranked international side are competing in their first ever AFCON and, incredibly, made it through the group stage to set up a knockout clash with host country Cameroon.

Their hopes of creating further upset have been dealt a huge blow though, with all three of the side's goalkeeping options missing for Monday's meeting.

No.1 choice Salim Ben Boina has picked up an injury ahead of the game, with backups Ali Ahamada and Moyadh Ousseni both isolating due to a COVID outbreak.

"We've already chosen an outfield player who will start as keeper," said Comoros goalkeeping coach Daniel Padovanni.

"It's a player who in training has shown that he can play as a keeper."

There have been 12 COVID cases recorded in the Comoros camp, but the competition's strict rules leave little room for error.

The Premier League and many other competitions employ a 13+1 rule that means games must be played if 13 players are available, including a goalkeeper.

However, the Confederation of African Football has been far more stringent, insisting that as long as 11 players are available for selection matches will go ahead.

The rules were made clear pre-tournament, with many teams including four goalkeepers in their squad to be safe, and Comoros will now have to make do against the competition's top scorers.