Given the extensive squads that football managers have at their disposal, it has become increasingly rare to see outfield footballers go between the sticks as an emergency goalkeeper.
Yet on Monday night, AFCON minnows Comoros were forced to face up to that exact predicament. Les Coelacantes were without all three of their goalkeepers for their last-16 defeat by Cameroon, meaning left-back Chaker Alhadhur volunteered to go in goal for the duration of the game.
Despite conceding twice, Alhadhur was lauded for a courageous display for the underdogs, with an impressive second-half double save denying the hosts.
Football is littered with examples of outfield players putting the gloves on, and it is fair to say that some have fared better than others when called upon.
Here, Sportsmail takes a look at some of the best - and worst - goalkeeping efforts by outfield players.
Comoros left-back Chaker Alhadhur took the goalkeeper gloves at AFCON on Monday evening
Harry Kane
vs Asteras Tripoli, 2014
It had been a pretty good evening's work for Harry Kane when Hugo Lloris had given Tottenham a dilemma against Asteras Tripoli.
Kane struck an accomplished hat-trick to help the north Londoners to a 5-0 lead against the Europa League minnows before the French international received his marching orders for a straight red card offence.
Harry Kane scored a hat -trick but let in a howler when he went in goal for Spurs in 2014
Even though he took home the match ball, Kane's contributions between the sticks are best remembered from this game, with the youngster allowing a Jeronimo Barrales free-kick to squirm under his body, giving the Greeks a consolation goal at 5-1.
'It was a great night until I went in goal,' Kane joked when interviewed by ITV4.
'In fairness I think I'll leave that to the keepers from now on.'
John Terry
vs Reading, 2006
Chelsea's trip to Reading in 2006 brought about a major turning point in Petr Cech's career. Just 20 seconds into the contest at the Madejski Stadium, the Czech collided with Stephen Hunt and suffered a horrendous skull fracture.
John Terry kept a clean sheet as Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners over Reading in 2006
Cech was obviously unable to continue the game and would spend the rest of his career wearing a protective helmet. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho introduced Carlo Cudicini to replace his No 1, but the back-up stopper was stretchered off towards the end of the game with a neck injury.
With no remaining keepers to turn to, Blues skipper John Terry stepped up for his side. The defender saw out the rest of the game without conceding as Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners.
An injury to Edwin van der Sar saw John O'Shea go in goal for Manchester United at Spurs
John O'Shea
vs Tottenham, 2007
Manchester United defender John O'Shea was called into action five minutes before full time at White Hart Lane after Edwin van der Sar was withdrawn with a broken nose.
Rio Ferdinand was due to take the gloves (more on him later) but O'Shea volunteered to stand in for the Dutchman. With United already 4-0 up, there wasn't too much pressure on the Irishman to keep the north Londoners out.
However, he was called into action in the dying moments after Ferdinand played a backpass short for his team-mate, allowing Robbie Keane in on goal.
O'Shea provided a glimpse of the future of modern goalkeeping to deal with the impending threat, charging out of his own penalty area to perfectly time a crunching challenge to deny his countryman, much to Wayne Rooney's amusement.
Phil Jagielka
vs Arsenal, 2006
When Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka stepped in for the injured Paddy Kenny against Arsenal in 2006, the Englishman did not have the luxury of a four-goal buffer to allow for any lapses in concentration.
In fact, the Blades were staunchly defending a one-goal lead at Bramall
