The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), originally set for January 9 to February 6, 2021, in Cameroon, has been postponed to January 2022.
The decision follows the suspension of football across Africa since -March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which left insufficient time to complete the qualification rounds.
Second Schedule Change
This marks the second rescheduling for the tournament. Initially planned for June and July 2021 during Cameroon’s rainy season, AFCON was moved to January 2021 for better weather conditions.
The latest delay to 2022 ensures safer planning amid ongoing pandemic challenges. CAF stated that exact dates for the tournament and remaining qualifiers will be announced later.
Impact on European Clubs
The postponement relieves European clubs, as they won’t need to release African players mid-season for international duty in 2021.
This change aligns AFCON with a quieter period in the European football calendar, reducing scheduling conflicts.
Women’s AFCON Canceled, New League Planned
In a separate move, CAF canceled the 2020 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, citing “challenging conditions” caused by the pandemic.
To bolster women’s football, CAF will launch a Women’s Champions League in 2021, aiming to provide a new platform for female players across the continent.
Cameroon to Host Champions League Finals
CAF also confirmed that Cameroon will host the semi-finals and final of the 2020 African Champions League in Douala, using a single-venue format.
This decision highlights Cameroon’s growing role as a hub for African football, despite the AFCON delay.
Looking Forward
The postponement reflects the significant impact of COVID-19 on African football, with CAF prioritizing safety and logistical feasibility.
The introduction of the Women’s Champions League signals a commitment to advancing the sport, while Cameroon prepares to shine as a host for both AFCON 2022 and the Champions League finals.
