The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Saturday the postponement of semi-final encounters of the African Champions League due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Egypt’s Zamalek were set to clash against Morocco’s Raja Casablanca while Al Ahly were preparing to face Wydad Casablanca between May 2 and 10, 2020, for the first and second leg matches.
In a statement, the CAF Emergency Committee said that it has also decided to postpone the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals and FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup Qualifiers that were set to be played next month.
“In light of growing concerns and evolving nature on COVID-19 amidst lockdown in most countries, the CAF Emergency Committee has decided to postpone the Total CAF Champions League and Total CAF Confederation Cup semi-final matches ( Both legs scheduled for the 1-3 May & 8-10 May 2020) until further notice,” read a statement by CAF on its official website.
“FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup Qualifiers: (Initially scheduled for 1-3 May and 15-17 May 2020) has also be postponed. A new schedule will be announced in due time,” adds the statement.
“Meanwhile, CAF is monitoring the situation closely and working with the relevant authorities such as the Wealth Health Organization (WHO) on the impact of the virus on the continent.”
Coronavirus has affected many sports events across Africa with many countries forced to suspend matches due to the pandemic which has claimed the lives of hundreds of people.
Cameroon is scheduled to host the CAF Champions League final at the fifty thousand capacity Japoma Stadium which is located in economic capital, Douala.
This year’s final will be for the first time played over a single game as opposed to previous finals played over two legs for the past fifty years.
The reason for the change of the final is due to the chaotic end to last season’s competition, a final that is still being disputed at the Court of Arbitration for Sports, CAS.
The Japoma Stadium is amongst the stadia to host this year’s edition of the Africa Nations Championship, CHAN which will be hosted at a later date.
The newly built stadium will equally serve as one of the venues for the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for January to February 2021.
