The Central African Confederation has reacted to recent reports around the potential postponement of the next year’s AFCON tournament.
Less than a month remains until the opening game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. However, recent reports have suggested the CAF officials might decide to postpone the much-anticipated tournament.
On Wednesday, French outlet RMC and Egyptian journalist Ismael Mahmoud reported that CAF are planning to postpone the tournament indefinitely.
The rapid spread of the new omicron variant of COVID-19 has reportedly generated concerns among the national team coaches.
However, hours after the reports, CAF provided an update, dismissing the reports around an imminent postponement.
Confederation chief Véron Mosengo-Omba said: “The meetings were important in getting a level of understanding on the state of readiness in Cameroon,
“There is a lot of work that is being done. We have to continue with the same momentum and We cannot rest. We have to work around the clock.
“I’m not resting, the LOC [Local Organising Committee] cannot rest. CAF cannot rest. Everyone must join the efforts. We want to see a great TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations here in Cameroon in January next year.
“Together with the Minister of Sport, we discussed all the pending issues and the way forward.”
He added: “There is a lot of progress in most operational matters and there is work that is currently being done day and night by the host nation, Cameroon to ensure that all the facilities for the teams are ready. We know of the massive effort that everyone is putting as part of the final touches on the ground. We see this progress, we acknowledge this progress.”
The upcoming 2021 tournament will be the first AFCON since Algeria’s title-winning campaign in 2019. CAF decided to cancel the 2020 edition, but they seem reluctant to postpone this year’s tournament.
Last month reports emerged around CAF’s intention to move the tournament elsewhere, with Qatar being the favourite to host the games. However, the confederation dismissed the reports while insisting the competition remains in Cameroon. The new development might once again bring the idea of moving the tournament forward as the Asian countries are less infected by the new variant.
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