A World Cup qualifying match in Guinea had to be rescheduled due to what appeared to be a coup d’etat unfolding in the West African nation. The visiting Moroccan team reportedly departed safely after being confined to their hotel amid nearby gunshots. Guinea was scheduled to host Morocco in a Group I game in the capital, Conakry, on Monday.

The upheaval began the day before the game when mutinous soldiers detained President Alpha Conde. Heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in Conakry, and subsequently, soldiers announced the dissolution of the government on state television.

In light of the volatile political and security situation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a statement, postponing the qualifier “to ensure the safety of players and match officials.” Both CAF and FIFA were closely monitoring the evolving circumstances.

While Guinea’s borders were closed, the Moroccan squad received permission to leave, as reported by local news. Morocco’s coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, described the tense situation, stating, “We’re at the hotel; gunshots can be heard nearby,” as the team remained stranded while an aircraft awaited them at the airport.

Eventually, match officials were allowed to depart Guinea. However, the return of Guinea’s Europe-based players, including Liverpool’s Naby Keita and Sochaux’s Florentin Pogba, brother of Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, to their respective clubs remained uncertain.

CAF did not provide a new date for the rescheduled game. Meanwhile, in other African qualifying matches on Sunday, Egypt managed a 1-1 draw in Gabon, despite Mohamed Salah’s return to the squad. Salah had missed Egypt’s previous qualifier due to quarantine restrictions imposed by Liverpool, as Egypt is on Britain’s “red list” of countries.

In Group F, Egypt leads, but Libya has an opportunity to take the top spot by defeating Angola on Tuesday. The qualification process dictates that only the 10 group winners will advance to Africa’s final playoffs for a chance to secure a spot in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Additional matches on Sunday saw Rwanda and Kenya drawing 1-1, while Namibia secured a 1-0 victory in Togo with Elmo Kambindu’s overhead kick.