By Anye Nde Nsoh
Football Writer kick442.com-Cameroon
While some teams successfully accomplished their mission and answered present in the first round of the prestigious CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup despite the odds, others were left behind.
A total of 38 Champions League matches took place out of the scheduled 44, while 34
Confederation Cup matches took place out of the planned 38. Following a document released by the African Football governing body CAF, several reasons have been highlighted on the absence of these clubs.
Total CAF Champions League
Stade Malien against Anglogold Ashanti Golden Boys Siguir
The encounter pitting Stade Malien against Anglogold Ashanti Golden Boys Siguiri did not take place because the Guinean team could not meet the minimum number of players set by CAF to start the match, namely 11 players including one goalkeeper and four substitutes, due to the high number of COVID 19 positive cases in the squad. As a result, Anglogold Ashanti Golden Boys Siguiri were disqualified and Stade Malien automatically qualify for the next round to play against Wydad AC.
Ahli Benghazi against Mekelle 70 Enderta
Mekelle 70 Enderta was unable to travel and meet the scheduled day due to political crisis. As such, Ahli Benghazi has automatically qualify to battle it with Esperance de Tunis in their next encounter.
Gazelle FC vs CF GR / SIAF
The match was not played because the Djiboutian team did not
show up. As a result, they were disqualified from the competition and Gazelle FC automatically
qualify to face Zamalek for the next round.
Asante Kotoko against FC Nouadhibou
The match was not played because the Mauritanian team could not meet the minimum number of players required by CAF due to the positive cases of COVID in the team. As a result, FC Nouadhibou were disqualified and Asante Kotoko automatically qualify for the next round to meet Al Hilal.
MC Algiers against Buffles FC
The Benin club indicated difficulties in traveling due to the lack of flights to Algeria. This is contested by the Algerians who said two airline companies can reach Algeria. The match could not be played and this case will be submitted to the Organizing Committee for Interclub Competitions which will take a decision after securing all the details and communications between the two clubs, as well as the experienced feedback and advice from CAF travel division.
Total Confederation Cup
T.A.S of Morocco v Gamtel FC of Gambia
Gamtel FC withdrew from the competition due to financial constraints.
El Rabita FC of South Sudan v Namungo FC of Tanzania
El Rabita FC decided to play the second
leg in Tanzania. However, they did fulfill the regulatory requirrements. Therefore, they were
disqualified from the competition.
Angola’s GD Sagrada Esperança vs representative of Eswatini (ESW)
Eswatini did not communicate, in a timely manner, the name of the club representing them in the Confederation Cup. Therefore, they were disqualified from the competition.
Before the competitions, CAF had earlier informed clubs that due to the COVID-19 challenges, the number of players were increased from 30 to 40, inorder to avoid unforeseen circumstances. Registrations regarding to the competition are currently closed and will re-open from January 10 to January 31. Each club will then be authorized to register a maximum of 7 new players during the mentioned period.
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