Sports

AFCON: Trouble For Comoros As Both Goalkeepers Contract COVID-19

Published

4 years ago

January 22, 2022

The Comoros, the surprise package of the Africa Cup of Nations, are struggling to put a team together for their last-16 tie against host nation Cameroon after 12 players and management tested postive for Covid-19, their federation announced Saturday.

The 12 positive tests include both of the Coelacanths’ fit goalkeepers, with the third goalkeeper, Salim Ben Boina already injured. Comoros are due to face Cameroon on Monday.

“The Coelacanths affected by Covid…include coach Amir Abdou, our only two goalkeepers, Moyadh Ousseini and Ali Ahamada,” the federation tweeted two days before an historic match for the Comoros who qualified for the last 16 in their first appearance at the tournament.

In a video posted on the account, general manager El Hadad Hamidi also named five outfield players who have tested positive: midfielders Nakibou Aboubakari, Yacine Bourhane, striker Mohamed M’Changama and defenders Kassim Abdallah and Alexis Souahy.

With no goalkeepers currently available for the tie, the Comoros are in serious trouble.

Confederation of African Football rules for the tournament dictate that teams must play games as long as at least 11 players test negative for the coronavirus.

If no goalkeeper is available, an outfield player has to stand in.

“We are trying to do everything in our power to find alternative solutions” but “without the coach, without major players and especially without our only two goalkeepers who remained, the situation is quite complicated”, admitted Hamidi.

The Comoros, representing a tiny island nation off the south-east coast of Africa, snatched their qualification to everyone’s surprise by beating Ghana 3-2 and advancing as one of the best third-placed sides.

AFP

Sports

Messi Opens Up On Relationship With Cristiano Ronaldo

Published

8 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Barcelona and Argentina legend, Lionel Messi, has opened up on his relationship and long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo following years of intense competition between the two football icons.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off at the pinnacle of football for many years.

Fans watched with bated breath as “La Pulga” and CR7 consistently tried to outdo one another.

In a recent interview on Argentine television, Messi reflected on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo encountered each other more frequently as adversaries during their tenures at Barcelona and Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018.

“What transpired was a remarkable sporting rivalry,” Messi told Polloalvarezok.

“It is a natural occurrence in football. I was with Barcelona while he was with Real Madrid, and we were competing for everything, both as a team and individually, which led to constant comparisons between us.

“However, our relationship was always positive and respectful, and everything that unfolded was strictly athletic. There was nothing personal.

“We did not often meet outside matches or award ceremonies, and we maintained a cordial relationship.

“Now we find ourselves in different phases of our lives, but what transpired was indeed a remarkable sporting rivalry.”

Sports

LaLiga: Real Madrid Open Negotiations With Mourinho Amid Fights In Dressing Room

Published

8 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Real Madrid have established direct contact with Benfica manager, Jose Mourinho, as they seek to bring the Portuguese back to the club.

President Florentino Perez is keen to appoint Mourinho ahead of next season.

Perez will however have to pay a fee to release the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss from his current contract.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Friday: “Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place.

“Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid.

“Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.”

This comes in a week when the tensions within the Madrid dressing room became public.

Captain Federico Valverde had to be taken to hospital after clashing with Aurelien Tchouameni in training.

Days before then, Antonio Rudiger reportedly slapped Alvaro Carreras and was forced to apologize.

It is also rumoured that certain players openly mock interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Sports

Turkey: Galatasaray Give Condition To Sell Victor Osimhen

Published

9 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Galatasaray board member, Bora Bahçetepe, has insisted that the club will sell their star striker Victor Osimhen if they receive an offer of 150-200 million euros.

Bahçetepe stated this on the HT Spor broadcast while fielding questions about Osimhen’s future amid reports linking the Nigerian international with a move away from Galatasaray in the summer transfer window.

Galatasaray has many players, including Osimhen, whose future is uncertain at the end of the season.

“Victor Osimhen is the best striker in Europe,” Bahçetepe said.

“We won’t sell him unless we receive an offer of 150-200 million euros,” he said.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli on a permanent transfer in 2025.