Guinea’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) suffered a setback after the Syli Nationale’s three players tested positive for Covid-19.
The sickness of Sweden-basedSarpsborg FC defender Mickael Dyrestam, Guinea’s Horoya FC midfielder Morlaye Sylla and Kuwait SC midfielder Seydouba Soumah is a blow to Guinea.
The Syli Nationale need a full healthy squad as they face Zimbabwe in a Group B match for AFCON in Cameroon on Monday.
The players tested positive in Rwanda where Guinea camped for pre-AFCON friendlies, winning 3-0 and 2-0 over the Amavubi on Monday and Thursday.
However, as the team was about to start off for Cameroon, Guinea coach Kaba Diawara discovered that his players had tested positive.
Media reports in Guinea say the players will only reunite with the rest of the squad in Cameroon once they recover from Covid-19.
In addition to the three players, two members of the delegation—Kémoko Camara and Mikael Dyrestam—earlier also tested positive and are still in Rwanda.
On Thursday, Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita scored for Guinea in the 2-0 win over Rwanda.
France-based Clermont FC forward Mohamed Lamine Bayo put Guinea ahead with a 25th minute finish in the friendly played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
Guinea flew out to Cameroon on Thursday evening ahead of their Group B opening match for AFCON against the Flames of Malawi on Monday.
The Syli Nationale are in the group alongside Senegal, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Group B AFCON fixtures:
10 January 2022
Senegal v Zimbabwe
Guinea v Malawi
14 January 2022
Senegal vGuinea
Malawi v Zimbabwe
18 January 2022
Malawi v Senegal
Zimbabwe v Guinea