KAMAPALA – The unceremonial cancellation of the 2021 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations – Afcon hit local football governing body – Fufa under the belt but officials are not ‘mourning’ about the situation.
The Confederation of African Football – Caf announced five days to the tournament’s kick-off that the coronavirus pandemic in the host country – Morocco was the main reason for the cancellation of this competition.
The announcement found Uganda, like Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Cameroon already in Morocco – ending hopes of several youth, who had been prepared to showcase their talents to the world.
“The Committee was made aware of the constraints faced by some of the participating member associations as well as the host country, including the fact that the coronavirus pandemic continues to present significant challenges for the organisation of international sporting events,” read a Caf statement in parts.
Fifa – the world soccer governing body had earlier in December cancelled the World U-17 Cup, which Peru was due to host in June as Brazil would have featured as defending champions. It seemed,
Caf saw no reason of hosting the U-17 tournament since it would have been insignificant in determining the qualifiers for the World Cup.
Uganda had been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Ivory Coast and Zambia, while Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria and Congo-Brazzaville were in B.
Holders Cameroon, South Africa, Mali and Senegal were in C in this tournament, which was due to kick off this Saturday, ending with March.
Fufa director of communication, Hussein Ahmed Marsha said on Thursday that whereas the federation had incurred expenses in terms of preparing and transporting the team for the tournament venue; “flying back the team is key for now. The team will fly back this week. We are working on their tickets.”
The coming on board of South African – Patrice Motsepe as the new Caf president and Eng. Moses Magogo’s mastery of the corridors of the Cairo based organ, is likely to play a leading as Fufa files for reimbursement of monies spent on the U-17.