Six Horoya Players Test Positive For COVID-19 Before Pyramids Clash

Six Horoya Athletic Club players will miss Tuesday’s CAF Confederation Cup semi-final clash with Pyramids after testing positive for coronavirus.

Boniface Haba,  Ibrahima Aminata Condé, Sékou Camara, Sékou Kéita, Brefo Mensah and Kanté tested positive after coming into close contact with an unnamed individual inside the club’s residential camp in El Jadida, Morocco.

Horoya’s coach Lamine Ndiaye made the announcement ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final showdown that is set to be played at Mohamed V Complex.

“For the moment, we only have 12 in-field players and two goalkeepers,” said coach Ndiaye in an interview with CIS Television. “The rest of the team tested positive for Covid-19.”

“We knew that the match would be very difficult, even with our full squad. But it’s still football, so we prepared for this match.

“Today it will have to be played especially with the heart, in relation to all that has happened. Those who will have the chance to play will first have to think about those who wanted to play this match, who dreamed of it for months but who are unfortunately bedridden.”

Ndiaye also revealed that a member of his backroom team who tested positive for coronavirus in El Jadida on Sunday may have received a ‘false positive’ result.

Horoya have been in camp in Morocco since Thursday, October 8 as part of preparations for the one-off semi-final game in the second-tier African club competition.

The winner will face RS Berkane who reached the final after eliminating fellow Moroccan side  Hassania Agadir in a semi-final tie as they secured a 2-1 victory on Monday.

Rabat will host the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on 25 October with all matches played behind closed doors.