AFCON in chaos as Comoros to be forced to play outfield player in net in round of 16

Comoros have been the shock of the Africa Cup of Nations, but their fairytale run to the knockout stages could be about to come to an abrupt halt as a coronavirus outbreak leaves them with no keeper

The tiny island nation of Comoros has been a revelation at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, but they are now facing a goalkeeper crisis.

A coronavirus outbreak in their camp has left 12 players testing positive - including two keepers, Moyadh Ousseini and Ali Ahamada.

While their first-choice shot-stopper Salim Ben Boina has already been ruled out of their Last 16 clash with Cameroon.

AFCON rules state that if all three goalkeepers are unavailable, you have to play an outfield player in goal.

CAF said: "In the event of the absence of a goalkeeper, another player from the team must replace the goalkeeper, provided the total number of available players is at least 11."

Comoros have been the shock of the tournament so far.

In their first AFCON, the tiny island nation managed to progress through the group stage and into the knockout rounds.

After losing their first two games - to Morocco and Gabon - they faced the tough challenge of taking on a faltering Ghana.

Incredibly Comoros who had led 2-0, scored a late winner to claim the clash 3-2 and advance as the third-placed team in the group.

Do you think Comoros should have to play without a recognised keeper between the sticks? Let us know in the comments section

However, their knockout round tie possesses the biggest challenge yet: the hosts, Cameroon.

Cameroon passed their group stage test with flying colours, winning two of their three games against Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Ethiopia.