JOHANNESBURG, Jan 6 — Africa’s showpiece Cup of Nations kicks off in Cameroon on Sunday against a backdrop of controversy over player call-ups, the tournament’s timing, the host nation’s readiness and the possibility of widespread Covid-19 infections.
Led by Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, they have been rarely stretched over the last 24 months but the rigours of tournament competition, plus the tough conditions in Cameroon, will provide a severe examination. Nigeria fired their coach Gernot Rohr last month, unhappy with their form despite the fact they won their World Cup qualifying group.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane could play a key role in helping the country to their first Cup of Nations triumph. Senegal’s departure to the tournament yesterday was delayed by three positive cases and the Cape Verde Islands have had an astonishing 21 individual positive cases at their pre-tournament training camp.Squad sizes for this tournament have been increased from 23 to 28 to allow for the potential impact of the novel coronavirus.
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