Caf insists covid-hit teams will play at Afcon

The Confederation of African Football, (CAF) has insisted countries suffering Covid outbreaks will play their scheduled matches regardless.

Caf said such countries would play their fixtures even if they are just an 11-man team or the affected team member is a goalkeeper.

Any nation unable to fulfil a fixture will forfeit the game 2-0, said a report by the BBC Sport.

The tournament starts on Sunday.

Caf said that in “exceptional cases” the tournament’s organising committee “will take the appropriate decision”.

Egypt had cancelled their training on Friday after coronavirus cases were reported in their camp.

The Pharaohs, who have won the competition a record seven times, eventually flew to Cameroon on Saturday.

Two players in Gabon squad including Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has tested positive to coronavirus. The team reportedly left behind defender Mikael Dyrestam, midfielder Morlaye Sylla and striker Seydouba Soumah at their training base in Rwanda.

Cape Verde and debutants Gambia were hit by several positive tests last week, while Tunisia have also reported cases from their pre-tournament camp.

The Nations Cup starts on Sunday and Egypt will face Nigeria in their first Group D match on Tuesday (16:00 GMT).