WHO clears Guinea to host Flames

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has cleared Guinea to host Friday’s 2017 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against the Flames.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) sought assurance from WHO after Football Association of Malawi (FAM) raised concerns following fresh cases of the deadly virus.

FAM went further to ask CAF to consider shifting the match to a neutral venue.

But according to a response from WHO to CAF, which The Nation has seen, the Flames are not under any risk of contracting the disease as the cases are in the forest areas.

“Many thanks for your message [seeking clarification on the situation in Guinea].

“The cases are in Nzerekore in the forest area which do not pose a threat to holding a match.

“There is no travel restriction to Conakry,” reads part of the letter from WHO to CAF.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu also confirmed having received the communication from CAF general secretary Hicham El Amrani.

“We are in receipt of a letter from CAF who have attached a letter from WHO.

“So, yes the match is definitely on in Guinea as WHO has assured us through CAF that the situation does not pose a threat to our delegation and, therefore, they will proceed to Conakry,” said Nyamilandu on Tuesday.

Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) executive secretary George Jana, however, said while there is an assurance from CAF, it will still be important for the Flames to exercise caution.

CAF cleared Guinea to start hosting matches recently after WHO declared the country safe from the virus.

Prior to that, they were playing their home matches in Morocco.

The epidemic has killed more than 11 300 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia since 2013.