Sanudi Covid-19 positive, left behind in Benin

Flames right-back Stanley Sanudi has remained in Cotonou, Benin after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Mighty Wanderers player will remain in isolation in Cotonou for the next 10 days.

The Flames return today from Benin where they played Ivory Coast in 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers.

Football Association of Malawi competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka, who travelled with the team, confirmed the development in an interview yesterday.

He said: “As per international travel requirements, all members of the Malawi National Football Team underwent Covid-19 tests 72 hours before the team left Benin for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to connect to Malawi.

“Unfortunately, Stanley Sanudi’s results came out positive. He has since been left behind as he has to be in isolation. But he is asymptomatic and will undergo another test after 10 days.”

According to Benin government website, www.gouv.bj travellers who test positive for Covid-19 are subject to mandatory government isolation.

Reads part of the regulations: “This may include quarantine in a government-designated hotel at the expense of the passenger. The government of Benin may hold the passenger’s passport until testing and isolation requirements are met to ensure compliance.”

Zakazaka said the Flames team doctor Gift Ligomeka has also remained in Benin with Sanudi to observe the player’s situation.

The Flames lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in their fourth Qatar World Cup Group D qualifier to bow out of the qualification race.

Ivory Coast lead the group with 10 points followed closely by Cameroon with nine points.

Malawi’s Flames are third with three points while Mozambique anchor the group with a point.

Malawi will wrap up the qualifiers against Mozambique away and at home against Cameroon.