Egypt's football team struck by coronavirus ahead of African Cup of Nations

The Egyptian football team has been struck by a coronavirus outbreak ahead of a brace of qualifying matches for the African Cup of Nations this month. 

The Pharoah’s goalkeeper, Mohammed el-Shennawy, is the first confirmed case to be announced by the Egyptian footballer’s union, but more positive tests are feared to follow. 

“When Shennawy received his positive test, he was immediately isolated at the hotel” said the union’s statement on facebook. 

“The team’s medical staff then conducted two additional swabs on the goalkeeper, both of which came back positive - and then the rest of the team were informed,” it continued. 

All players had received negative tests when they entered training for the run of fixtures, according to the union.

The team is due to face Ethiopia this evening, in their first Cup of Nations fixture since Egypt lost this year’s final against Senegal in Olembé on penalties. 

Captain Mohammed Salah, having returned from a season of taxing Liverpool duties, is due to lead his country out at the Cairo International Stadium as Egypt kick off their campaign to qualify for the next instalment of the competition in Ivory Coast next summer. 

Ahead of the North-East African clash, the squad took part in several training sessions including infected goalkeeper Mohammed el-Shennawy. 

If the game goes ahead, play will start in Cairo at 8pm local time.