Switch in dates for 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals
The COSAFA sides that will compete at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon now have a date to work towards after it was announced that the tournament would be played from January 9-February 6.
It is a change from the previous finals in Egypt that were staged in June-July last year, but the rainy weather predicated at that time of the year in Cameroon has led to the switch.
“The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be played in Cameroon from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6 in 2021,” said hosts FECAFOOT on Twitter. “The date has been changed for meteorological reasons at Cameroon’s request.”
The AFCON was traditionally held in January and February until the Confederation of African Football decided to alter the timing in 2017 when it also increased the number of participating teams from 16 to 24.
There are 12 COSAFA teams remaining in the qualifiers – Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Comoros, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Madagascar and Lesotho.
Mauritius and Seychelles were knocked out at the preliminary stage.
