IFFHS NEWS AND STATISTICS OF THE WEEK 29
CAMEROON REJECT HOSTING 2020 CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL.
In an interview granted the State-owned Cameroon Radio Television at midday today, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation, Seidou Mbombo Njoya (Picture )disclosed that he had just informed the hierarchy of the Confederation of African Football that the Cameroon Government had turned down hosting the final game of the African Champions League, 2020 initially scheduled for the newly constructed multi-purpose Japoma Sports Complex on the outskirts of the economic capital, Douala. The reason given for the decision is that the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic is simply unpredictable, and so it would be risky to host the event.
“It is a wise decision taken by the government,” said Mr. Njoya who also indicated that the Confederation for African Football, CAF, which had scheduled the two semi-finals and final game for the same country, courtesy of Covid-19 had received the Cameroon decision well.
It would be recalled that the two semi-final games of the 2020 CAF Champions League pit two teams from the same towns of the same opposing countries: Raja of Casablanca, Morocco against Zamalek of Cairo, Egypt, and Widad of Casablanca, Morocco against Al Ahly of Cairo, Egypt.
QATAR STAR LEAGUE READY
Clubs are continuing their preparations ahead of the resumption of 2019-20 QNB Stars League, with Week 18 matches starting on 24th July. The tournament, which had a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will restart as per the general plan and protocol for the remaining five rounds. Teams are fighting to occupy the top positions, improve their rankings and avoid the ignominy of relegation. The Qatar Stars League (QSL) website highlights each team and their preparations ahead of the resumption of competitions.
Al Sadd (picture) are gearing up for the remainder of the season under Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez. They will play Al Khor in Week 18 at the Al Sadd Stadium on 25th July, 2020. The kick-off is at 19:00. Al Sadd are third in the QNB Stars League standings with 32 points, 10 less than leaders Al Duhail and six adrift of Al Rayyan. The Wolves have 10 wins, two draws and five defeats against their name. Their goal difference is +18 (45 goals for and 27 against). Al Sadd have scored the most number of goals than any other team. Al Rayyan are second (34) and Al Duhail third (33).
Reigning champions Al Sadd had lost 0-1 to Al Rayyan in the high-profile Qatar Clasico in Week 17 on 7th March before the long break, with Franck Kom netting the all-important goal. Following their first coronavirus test, held as per the protocol developed by the QSL in co-ordination with club authorities and approved by the Ministry of Public Health, Al Sadd squad members entered their team hotel and got engaged in training. After their second coronavirus test, the players as well as technical and administrative staff signed a pledge to abide by the protocol for leaving team hotel for home quarantine.
The break was an opportunity for Al Sadd forward and Qatar national team captain Hassan Al Haydous to recuperate from an injury. In terms of their foreign professional players, Al Sadd announced the departure of Spaniard Gabi Fernandez and Mexican Marco Fabian, even as they renewed the deal with Qatari star Akram Afif until 2025. Meanwhile, Al Sadd renewed the contract with Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez for one more season. Besides intense training, Al Sadd are readying for the resumption of action by playing friendlies. They played out a 1-1 draw with Umm Salal in one such game.
Al Sadd’s other remaining matches in the QNB Stars League are against Al Ahli (Week 19), Al Duhail (Week 20), Qatar SC (Week 21) and Al Gharafa (Week 22).
