<strong>Five Benin national team players who received ‘confirmed positive’ tests for Covid-19 in Sierra Leone on Tuesday have returned negative results following tests on their arrival in Cotonou on Wednesday.
The Benin team flew back to Cotonou on a charter flight from Sierra Leone after their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday was cancelled following a standoff over Covid-19 test.
The match was supposed to have been played at the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown but Benin players refused to come out from their bus, in protest over a declaration that five of their players tested positive for Covid-19.
Benin Football Federation (FBF) announced the five players who were declared positive in Sierra Leone were tested on arrival at the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport and are no longer required to self-isolate.
The FBF statement read as translated from French: “Official: PCR test results are negative for the five Beninese players.”
Those who were alleged to be infected with the novel coronavirus included lead striker Steve Mounie, who previously played for English side Huddersfield Town.
The others were captain Khalid Adenon, first choice goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe and the French-based pair of Jodel Dossou and Cedric Benjamin, who were part of the first 11 team.
CAF has since confirmed the postponed Africa Cup of Nations qualification encounter between Sierra Leone and Benin Republic will now take place during the June international window.
Benin need a draw to guarantee their place in the biennial African football showpiece, while victory for Leone Stars will send them to Cameroon.
