Clubless Ali Ahamada of Comoros plays a game of football at the AFCON after a whole year

We're not here to judge or make any rude remarks neither, but the case of Comoros' custodian Ali Ahamada is as unorthodox as it gets.

The 30-year-old keeper conceded a goal and suffered a 1-0 loss to Gabon in Comoros' opening game of the AFCON. However, he should be more than happy for it since it was his first game in more than a year.

Gabon secures three points against Comoros without Aubameyang

Yes, you've read it accurately. Ahamada's previous appearance between the posts dates back to 7 November 2020 for his then-club, a Norwegian top-tier side SK Brann. It was also a defeat, 2-1, with Ahamada scoring an own goal to seal his Norwegian stint. The player and Brann parted ways on mutual consent, and, after that, the experienced keeper became a free agent.

And is ever since.

Ahamada's Transfermarkt profile says it all... (©Transfermarkt)

Moreover, he was also overlooked for his national team during the entire 2021. Without a club and a single game of football in the last 14 months, Ahamada seemed to be heading to premature retirement, but tables have turned for him now. A sudden chance to represent his nation at the biggest stage - that unexpected struck of luck - might be just what Ahamada needs to put his career back on track.

Against Zlatan back in 2015 (©REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

The next two Comoros' AFCON fixtures against Morocco and Ghana could be his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present himself as a good choice for some European or formidable African club.

FRI: 19.00: (1.25) MOROCCO (5.90) COMOROS (18.0)