AFCON president addresses COVID-19 concerns ahead of tournament

Patrice Motsepe says COVID-19 restrictions would be acknowledged during the AFCON but the tournament is still set to go ahead. However, the CAF president failed to acknowledge of security concerns.

For Manchester United, it would mean that Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo will be unavailable for a number of Premier League games, but let’s not pretend like they would be selected for those games anyway.

“We must always identify problems and challenges, and not shy away from them. We must have the confidence and the belief that we can overcome them,” Motsepe was quoted as saying by Reuters.

“Nobody will be allowed into the stadium with a (negative) PCR test. We will have to protect the fans that are there. Of course, there will be concerns about fake tests going around, but we are dealing with those issues.

“We have to have confidence and belief in ourselves as Africans. And we have to have confidence and belief that we can host a very successful Nations Cup in Cameroon.”

It is still unclear as to the precise number of domestic fixtures affected – but so far we know of four matches that will be impacted.

Manchester United players potentially selected: Eric Bailly (Ivory Coast), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast).

Premier League games impacted: January 3: Wolves (H); January 15: Aston Villa (A); January 22: West Ham (H); February 8: Burnley (A).

There are fears that player safety could be under threat, but the CAF president failed to acknowledge that.

Motsepe simply wants to carry on with the tournament, no matter what, but at least United won’t be missing too many players unlike other teams in the Premier League. Arch-rivals Liverpool could be without the trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita.

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