According to CAF new guidelines, matches will go ahead if National teams suffering Covid outbreaks has a minimum of 11 players available with negative COVID-19 test results.
Even if none of the eleven players available is a goalkeeper, an outfield player is expected to assume the role or risk automatic work-over – any nation unable to fulfil a fixture will forfeit the game 2-0.
The guidelines was issued after several nations reported COVID-19 cases before the tournament starts on Sunday.
Five players of the Burkina Faso first team including the head coach have been reported positive ahead of their opening game against Cameroon tomorrow. Also, Senegal has reported that first choice goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and team captain Kalidou Koulibally have tested positive ahead of their Monday clash against Zimbabwe.
On Friday, Egypt delayed their departure for the tournament and were forced to cancel training after positive cases were reported in their camp.
Guinea were also forced to leave behind defender Mikael Dyrestam, midfielder Morlaye Sylla and striker Seydouba Soumah at their training base in Rwanda.
Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was among two players to test positive in the Gabon squad on Thursday.
Cape Verde and debutants Gambia were hit by several positive tests last week, while Tunisia have also reported cases from their pre-tournament camp.
According to CAF, tournament’s organising committee “will take the appropriate decision” when there are “exceptional cases”.
MOLATsportgist 