African Champions League Final Postponed

Next month’s African Champions League final has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced yesterday.

The one-off African Champions League match was initially billed for May 29 at the newly constructed Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.

Also postponed is the final of the CAF Confederation Cup which was to take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

In a statement published on its website, CAF said the decision was made after the semi-finals were postponed a week ago.

“Following the decision to postpone the semi-finals of the CAF inter-clubs competition due to the evolving nature of Covid-19, CAF today announces that the finals of the Total CAF Confederation Cup and Total CAF Champions League 2019-20 have been put on hold until further notice.

“The new schedule will be communicated in due time after consultation with the various stakeholders.

“CAF is monitoring the situation closely and working with the relevant authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) on the impact of the virus on the continent, and will announce developments to our competitions at the appropriate time.”

African Champions League semi-finals Egyptian clubs Zamalek and Al Ahly were due to take on their Moroccan counterparts Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca respectively between May 2 and 10, 2020.

In the Confederation Cup, the Egyptian side Pyramids FC was to battle Guinean side AC Horoya as Moroccan duo of Hassania Agadir and RS Berkane square it out.

It should be noted that it will be the first time African Champions League will be a one-off match at a neutral venue instead of the traditional two-legged tie played home and away between the two finalists.

Last season, the final was marred by controversy over questionable officiating in the opening game between Esperance and Wydad Casablanca – while the second leg was abandoned altogether.

Amidst the VAR controversy in the clash in Tunis that resulted in the Tunisian champions retaining their crown, it was decided by the Confederation of African Football to alter the format of the competition.