European Clubs To Miss African Stars As AFCON Shifts To January

European clubs will miss their African stars next season, as Cameroon has moved the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from the summer to January 2021.

AFCON had always been held since 1960 during winter or early spring, basically due to climate conditions and to avoid conflicting fixtures with international club competitions.
However, it was changed last year as Egypt hosted the maiden summer AFCON.

The nations cup was officially due to be held in June and July, however, Cameroon moved it foward due to weather conditions in the country at that time of year.

According to the Cameroon Football Federation (CFF): “It (2021 Africa Cup of Nations) will be played in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2021. Date changed for weather reasons at Cameroon’s request.”

Players to miss out of European clubs during the AFCON:

Sadio Mane
The Senegalese international would be potentially unavailable for Liverpool as he will lead the action for Senegal.

Mohammad Salah

Salah who ended second behind Mane in the men’s player of the year African award will represent Egypt in Cameroon leaving Liverpool to play other options.

Also, Egypt have already qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games which will run from July 22 to August 8, and thereby he will miss out the start of next season.

Riyad Mahrez
The Manchester City player is likely to feature at the tournament for Algeria leaving Pep Guardiola to play other options.

Winifred Ndidi

The Nigerian midfielder will fly the Super Eagles colour in January, as he definitely will miss out of action in his club Leicester.

Naby Keita
The move will have major implication on Liverpool who will loose Naby Keita as the player will feature for his country Guinea in the AFCON tournament.

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) and Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast) are also likely to feature as well as a number of other Premier League club and LA Liga first-team players.

Sammuel Chukwueze
Nigeria’s young star Chukwueze, is due to miss action for Li Liga side Villarreal CF in January.