Next year’s African Cup of Nations postponed to 2022

CAIRO (AP) — Next year’s African Cup of Nations has been postponed to 2022 amid a backlog of matches caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Confederation of African Football says the 24-team tournament in Cameroon will now open in January 2022. The 12 qualifying groups are not expected to be completed this year. CAF says “the date for the final tournament and the remaining matches of the qualifiers will be communicated in due course.” It’s the second scheduling change this year for the continental championship. It was originally set to be played in June-July 2021 but was moved to the beginning of the year.