PORT GENTIL, GABON --- The poor state of the pitches at the ongoing AFCON in Gabon has contributed to a growing list of injury casualties that has got coaches worried.


Despite the success of the tournament so far after its first week, several teams have complained about the sandy pitches causing muscle strains and increasing recovery times for players.

Ghana has lost Baba Rahman to a knee injury while Burkina Faso's Jonathan Pitroipa could also be out.

Teams have not been allowed to train at least once on the pitches before a match day as organisers seek to protect the pitches.

"The pitches are sandy and make ball control difficult. Even worse, it makes our thighs very heavy during games. It's very frustrating," one player lamented to Pulse.com.gh.

Egypt coach Hector Cuper also had harsh words for the pitch at the brand new Stade de Port Gentil after his team's goalless game against Mali on Tuesday.

"The pitch was awful," he said, simply.

pulse.com.gh