Afcon 2021: Comoros keeper Ahamada could play round of 16 tie after negative Covid test

Comoros goalkeeper Ali Ahamada has tested negative for Covid-19, and could now start their Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 tie against Cameroon on Monday.

However, the 30-year-old faces further tests to see whether he is fit to play.

The Indian Ocean islanders had looked like they would face the tournament hosts without a recognised keeper.

Salim Ben Boina was injured in their final group match, and then Ahamada and fellow back-up keeper Moyadh Ousseini both tested positive for coronavirus.

Ahamada and midfielder Yacine Bourhane, who also tested negative on Monday morning, will rejoin the squad if they meet requirements set by tournament organisers the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

“They are now undergoing various tests, especially physical ones, to return to the competition,” Comoros team manager El Hadad Himini said in a statement on Twitter.

“If the tests go well, we will await the findings of the medical commission to see if they can play or not.

“We hope they will grant us our rights, just as they did with the other teams. We are waiting now and we hope everything will be better for us.”

Comoros are playing at the Nations Cup for the first time in their history and reached the knockout stages after beating Ghana 3-2 and finishing third in Group C.