Comoros fans proud but disappointed

Cameroon ended the Comoros' fairy-tale run at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, but their strong performance sparked fierce pride in the island nation.

Comoros lost 2-1, but held their own against powerhouses Cameroon after 12 players and staff members were sidelined with positive Covid tests and injuries, including all three goalkeepers.

Many supporters gathered to watch the match on a giant screen set up in the centre of the capital, Moroni. Zainaba Chanfi stayed glued to the screen until the final whistle.

"Even though we lost today, it's like we won because we gave it our all and we only lost 2-1," she said smiling.

Nearby, the national team fan club president Hachim Said Hassan said the team's fortunes could have been different had all their players been allowed on the field. "CAF pulls out their rule book at the last minute to take out our players, but we still held our heads high," he said.

"We're proud of our players."