AFCON 2021: The dream of the Comoros is a testament to all that the National Cup has been like

The Comoros made history when it premiered at the African National Cup this year. Not only did he win the World Cup finalist three times to reach the playoffs, he threatened not only Ghana but also the five-time AFCON winner in Cameroon with a tight competition without a goalkeeper.

A few hours before the Indomitable Lions game, the team found itself without a full-time goalkeeper, coach and two defenders, all with COVID-19 or injuries.

The only goalkeeper available was Ali Ahamada, who was cured of the coronavirus, but was unable to join the African Football Confederation (CAF) tournament due to quarantine rules.

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Jean-Daniel Padovani, the head of the Comoros national team’s goalkeeper, said Sportsstar After some thought, the team managed to field a player between the sticks – a defender who plays in the French second division named Chaker Alhadur.

“We started training on the eve of the match. I didn’t specifically teach him how to gather or dive; I left that to him. It was more important for me to teach the tactical part – in terms of location. I like goalkeepers who are good at walking and who are actively involved in the game, so it was the perfect opportunity for me, ”Padovani said.

The Comoros were reduced to 10 men within seven minutes of the match, with defender Nadjim “Jimmy” Abdou knocked out, but some excellent stops by Alhadur limited the lead to 2-1 against the five-time AFCON winner.

“Comoros players are professionals, they are quite amateurish but have a great fighting spirit. They really managed to get the positive out of the situation and show their values. We were in indirect contact with the coach, who instructed us from the bench. The situation served to show that the Comoros were a good team with good values, “added Padovani.

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In order to qualify for the World Cup finals, Padovani believes that the team can finally reach it. “There are still a lot of countries in Africa with players who are more technically sound and play at a higher level. But the team can be reached with the right resources, ”he said.

The fourth smallest country in Africa, with a population of less than one million, the Comoros, was recognized by FIFA in 2005. For 15 years, the team has fought across more than 50 countries for the first time in its history to reach the AFCON finals. .

Despite being wiped out after a narrow defeat, the Comoros campaign was a testament to what the 2021 African Nations Cup was all about: daring to wait beyond COVID-19 and have enough resilience to dream of a brighter future, a FIFA World Cup or a FIFA World Cup. otherwise.