After delays, postponements and date modifications aplenty, the Africa Cup of Nations will subsequently start on Sunday, as hosts Cameroon take on Burkina Faso.
Group A may also pit Ethiopia and Cape Verde against every other on the opening day, with both eyeing up the opportunity of staking their claim for a qualification spot in the back of favourites Cameroon. But, as may additionally had been expected of a match that has had extra than its honest share of issues in the construct-up, another trouble has reared its head at the eve of the large kick-off.
Burkina Faso are wondering the validity of the COVID-19 checking out that became completed on their squad, with "four or 5" players and head teach Kamou Malo returning nice consequences. They claim an unknown scientific group became up at their inn to check the crew and personnel, however they refused to take them after the African Football Confederation (CAF) confirmed the those who had confirmed up have been now not sent by means of tournament organisers.
When the CAF delegation did show up, 4 positive exams came back and one was inconclusive, with Burkina Faso now annoying new swabs be taken.
Captain Bertrand Traore instructed reporters: "It's a scandal, we can't be disadvantaged of first-group players 24 hours earlier than the suit. The authorities must evaluation the organisation. We cannot receive this selection. We can redo assessments of our nice players."
Either manner, Cameroon recognise the stress is on for them to claim a 6th AFCON title, with this their first event as hosts in 50 years.
One to look at: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon)
AFCON has by no means been brief of flair gamers, and in Zambo Anguissa Cameroon have a player truly capable of having enthusiasts off their feet. The Napoli guy is a captivating midfielder to watch due to his capacity jogging with the ball. In Serie A this season, his sixty five.9 consistent with cent dribble success is bettered by using handiest seven midfielders (min. 25 dribble tries, 500 mins played), gambling an vital position in getting the Partenopei out of tight situations and onto the the front foot.
Four of the six groups to finish 1/3 of their institution will go through to the subsequent stage, so at the same time as that takes away a number of the jeopardy for the nice groups, it also presents more of a chance for the ones international locations who might now not otherwise assume to get some distance.
