Covid 19 knocks off caf afcon 2021 qualifiers
You're referring to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Yes, the pandemic has indeed had a significant impact on the qualifiers, with many matches being postponed or cancelled due to travel restrictions, quarantine measures, and other health-related concerns.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been working closely with national associations and health authorities to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans. However, the pandemic has presented numerous challenges, including:
- Postponements: Many matches have been postponed to later dates, causing disruptions to the original schedule.
- Cancellations: Some matches have been cancelled altogether, with teams unable to travel or participate due to COVID-19-related issues.
- Changes in qualification formats: CAF has had to adapt the qualification format to accommodate the pandemic, including introducing a new format for the group stage and playoffs.
- Travel restrictions: Teams have faced difficulties in traveling to away matches, with some countries imposing travel restrictions or quarantines.
- Player availability: The pandemic has also affected player availability, with some teams struggling to field full-strength squads due to COVID-19 cases or quarantine measures.
Despite these challenges, CAF has worked to minimize the impact of the pandemic on the qualifiers, and the tournament is still scheduled to take place in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022.
It's worth noting that the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of prioritizing player and staff safety, as well as the need for flexible and adaptable planning in the face of uncertainty.