The next two quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations will be played this Monday, January 24, between Cameroon and the Comoros but also the confrontation of Guinea versus Gambia.
It’s a tournament that holds many surprises after defending champions Algeria and Ghana were both eliminated in the group stage.
For the first time in its history, the Comoros are participating in the final phase of the African Cup of Nations. And for its first, the country has passed the milestone of groups and is a surprise guest of the knockout stages of the CAN.
Facing them is the host country and favorite of the competition, Cameroon of Vincent Aboubakar, top scorer of the competition. At stake, a place in the quarter-finals.
Comoros can breathe after being put in difficulty following the Covid-19 contamination of all its goalkeepers.
National goalkeeper Ali Ahamada has tested negative for COVID-19 and will be available to play against Cameroon on Monday.
Comoros were about to be forced to field an outfielder in goal for the biggest game in their football history after a cluster within their team.
Ahmad and fellow goalkeeper Moyadh Ousseni were both forced into self-isolation after testing positive last week, along with coach Amir Abdou and five other players.
On the other side, a battle of the finalists from West Africa will see Guinea take on The Gambia in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday in Bafoussam.
Guinea will be without Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita, having received a second yellow card of the tournament in a late defeat to Zimbabwe last time out.
The Gambia will be hoping their good fortune holds after presumably taking advantage of their chance to reach this stage of the competition. Tom Saintfiet’s Gambia side scored more goals than expected while conceding just once.
Guinea underperformed in their shooting, scoring just twice in their three group matches.
“We are not afraid because we have been with the players for more than three years, which means that we have cohesion and a great team spirit,” said Gambia coach Saintfiet before the game.
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