The 2021 under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which was to kick-off this weekend in Morocco, has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to a press release issued by CAF Communications Director Alexandre Siewe, the CAF Emergency Committee decided to cancel the tournament after a meeting held on Monday in Rabat.
Siewe stated that the committee noted the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic, increased restrictions on international travel and the evolution of the situation.
Zambia is among five out of 12 participating countries that already set base in Morocco to prepare for the tournament which was due to run from 13th to 31st March.
Others are Ivory Coast, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Young Chipolopolo were also scheduled to play pre-tournament matches against FUS Rabat Under-17, Nigeria and Cameroon.
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Zambia -FAZ- is disappointed that the tournament has been cancelled after the team has already set base in Morocco.
FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala says it is unfortunate that CAF has decided to cancel the tournament when other tournaments such as the CHAN were held successfully despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kashala added that it is the hope of FAZ that CAF will compensate the countries that have already travelled for the tournament.
He was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka.
