[ad_1]
Comoros made history by making their African Cup of Nations debut this year. Not only did it beat three-time World Cup finalists Ghana to advance to the knockout stages, but it also threatened five-time Africa Cup champions Cameroon in a tight game without a goalkeeper.
Hours before the game against the Indomitable Lions, the team found itself without a full-time goalie, coach and two defenders — either with COVID-19 or injuries.
The only goalkeeper available is Ali Ahmadada, who has been banned from the team due to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) match-quarantine rules despite his recovery from the coronavirus.
Related|
Africa Cup: Defending champions Algeria out, Comoros advance
Comoros national team goalkeeper Jean-Daniel Padovani told sports star After much deliberation, the team managed to field a player between the two teams – a full-back who played in the French Serie B named Chuck Alhadur.
“We started training on the eve of the game. I didn’t specifically teach him how to collect or dive – I left it to him. For me, it was more important to teach him the tactical part – in terms of positioning. I love the feet A goalkeeper who is skilled and involved in the game – so he was perfect for me,” Padovani said.
Comoros were reduced to 10 men in seven minutes of the game, with defender Nadjim “Jimmy” Abdou sent off, but some fine saves from Alhadur limited the team to 2-1 against the five-time AFCON champions.
“The Comoros players are pros, a bit amateur, but super fighting spirit. They have really managed to take the positives out of the situation and show their values. We are indirectly related to coaching on the bench. Our coach got in touch. This situation shows very well that Comoros are a good team with good values,” Padovani added.
Related|
Cameroon blames ‘massive’ influx of fans in stadium deaths
With the goal of qualifying for the World Cup final, Padovani believes the team can eventually get there. “In Africa, there are still many countries where players are more technically sound and at a higher level. But with the right tools, teams can get there,” he said.
Comoros, the fourth smallest country in Africa with a population of less than one million, was recognized by FIFA in 2005. In the past 15 years, the team has competed in more than 50 countries and reached the AFCON finals for the first time in its history.
Despite being eliminated after a narrow defeat, the Comoros campaign proved what the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is all about – daring to hope beyond COVID-19 and resilient enough to dream of a brighter future, the FIFA World Cup or otherwise.
[ad_2]
Source link
