Cameroon forward Joel Tagueu has been forced out of Africa Cup of Nations 2019 with just one day before they initiate their campaign in the competition due to heart issues.

Cameroon, who are the defending champions, are placed in Group F alongside Ghana, Guinea Bissau, and Benin. Their opening game will be against Guinea Bissau on June 25, before facing Ghana and Benin on June 29 and July 2 respectively.

The 25-year-old striker hit the net eight times in 30 league appearances of which 24 starts were starts for his club CS Maritimo in the Portuguese Liga NOS this season.

“Cameroon team doctor William Ngatchou has just detected an anomaly of an implantation of a coronary artery suspected in Qatar  and confirmed in Egypt, with a risk of sudden death on the pitch,” Cameroonian federation stated.

” The news of Joel Tagueu’s departure from the camp was received with sadness in the camp. The staff and players couldn’t hold their tears. An appeal has been filed to CAF for his eventual replacement.”