AFCON 2021: Oyongo Tells Secret Of Cameroon’s VICTORY Over Covid

Indomitable lions left-back Ambroise Oyongo Bitolo, talking at the pre – match press conference before the Cameroon – Comoros game, gave reasons why the Indomitable Lions have been less – hit by the Covid19.

The Lions have been able to contain the Covid19 situation after earlier cases registered in December.

Quizzed on what Cameroon has done to keep the virus at bay, Oyongo said: ‘Our hotel is away from town and we are careful with our activities. The doctors have equally played a big part as we’ve managed to stay away from the virus.’ Oyongo ended.

It wasn’t as easy from the start, though. Cameroon had
Players affected before the tournament. They were; Pierre Kunde Malong (Olympiakos), Jean Efala (Akwa United), Michael Ngadeu Ngadjui (Gent) and Christian Bassogog (Shanghai Shenhua). All of them were quarantined for a period of time before different tests gave them the leverage to start the competition.

However, since the competition kick-started, coach Antonio Conceiçao and his staff have been alright. Its been a star – contrast with different teams who are not able to handle the virus.

Before the opening match against Cameroon, Burkina Faso had 5 Cases of Covid-19 detected in their camp, which hugely impacted them as they lost 2-1 to Cameroon.

Tunisia’s preparations for their final Africa Cup of Nations group match against Gambia were thrown into disarray after 12 players in the 28-man squad contracted Covid-19. It affected the side adversely and Gambia went on to win 1-0.

And now, a day before their round of 16 game against Cameroon, 12 Comoros players and members of staff, including the two available goalkeepers, have tested positive for Covid-19.

Comoros’ goalkeeper coach, Jean Daniel Padovani is gutted like the entire team, but has refused to let the situation take center – stage.

Worse case scenario, Padovani has said the team could use an outfield player as a goalie.

‘The Covid is quite a unique situation. We are really surprised but we shall get to work to see how we can ameliorate the situation.

‘Our job is to get solutions. We have discussed and decided to get all healthy players together, and one of the outfield players could definitely play as the goalkeeper. Its a funny situation but we are working to get the possible solutions,’ Padovani ended.

Padovani was accompanied by skipper Jimmy Abdou.

Jimmy Abdou shares the views of the goalkeeper trainer; coming together to seek a basic solution. The midfeilder however doesn’t fancy himself to be between the sticks.

‘i have been playing as a player all my life, so it will be difficult,’ Jimmy stated after being sked by reporters if he could take on the goalkeeping responsibility.

Jimmy however remained positive and emphasised on the team’s motivation: ‘ there is no other better motivation than playing against Cameroon. Cameroon is a top nation on the continent, and sharing this space against them – is enough motivation.’

Coach Antonio Conceiçao, meanwhile, has opined the importance of the game and how his team wouldn’t take a Covid – struck Comoros for Minnows.

‘We know that we are going to play a good Comoros team. We’ve tried to get information here and there, watched games to view their weaknesses and strengths. Comoros is a team that got to this stage because they won matches. We know we will have to work harder to get the win.’ Ended the Portuguese trainer.

The two teams have their last practice sessions prior to the game – later this evening. Cameroon trains at 4:30 pm local time, and Comoros follows at 6:30, all at the Olembe annex.

Cameroon has played against Comoros twice before and won once. A three – nil victory in Yaounde and a one – all tie in the Comoros Island, gave Cameroon a ticket to the 2019 AFCON.