By Amaechi Agbo

Five Benin Republic players who reportedly tested “positive” for the coronavirus on Tuesday have returned negative result, Bestchoicesports.com.ng understands.

Benin refused to play a key Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Sierra Leone Tuesday after challenging positive COVID-19 tests for five of their players.

Benin rejected the results and didn’t step on the pitch. The game was postponed to the next FIFA date which is in June.

However, the five Benin players who were tested POSITIVE for COVID-19 in Freetown ahead of their AFCON Qualifier against Sierra Leone Tuesday have all tested NEGATIVE at the airport as they departed to their respective clubs.

Consequently the match was abandoned and CAF has come into the matter with a view to making pronouncement on whether or not a replay would be recommended in June.

Rows over COVID-19 tests have plagued African football since last year with host national teams and clubs accused of producing false positive results to deprive opponents of stars.

Talks between Sierra Leone, Benin and Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials in Freetown failed to resolve the standoff as both squads remained in their hotels.

Benin hold a three-point lead over Sierra Leone in Group L and both teams have a chance of finishing runners-up to Nigeria.

Benin are currently second on the table with 7 points and zero go difference while Sierra Leone are 3rd with 4 points and -1 goal difference.

Benin needs a draw to reach the 2021 AFCON showpiece while Sierra Leone needs an outright will to book their ticket to the 2021 tournament in Cameroon.