CAF President Patrice Motsepe has moved to put an end to swirling speculation over Africa Cup of Nations dates by declaring that the postponed tournament will kick off as planned in January 2022.Speaking while in the host country, the South African businessman allayed any fears of Africa’s premier showpiece tournament being postponed for a second time amidst reports of interference from FIFA who want the jamboree pushed forward to September.Gianni Infantino has a proposal to have the AFCON take place between September and October.A minor🧵— Daniel N Wahome, LBW (@MistaWahome) December 21, 2021 Speaking to the media, Motsepe stated that he will be in Cameroon two days before the start of the tournament together with his family as he backed that the AFCON, his first since taking over at the African football governing body back in March, will be an exceptional showpiece.“I will be in Cameroon on 7 January with my wife and kids to witness this incredible competition. You can see that there’s a huge commitment and a focus to make sure that there’s good progress. We are going to host with the people of Cameroon an exceptional tournament. It will be the most successful Afcon. We are ready to show the world the best of African football and African hospitality. This tournament is important for the people of Africa and I’m so proud and so excited with the work done,” Motsepe remarked.The President of CAF, who is in Cameroon 🇨🇲says that AFCON will kick-off on January 9th in the country. He says he’ll be arriving with his family from the 7th. From this interview putting an end to all these rumours. 🎥 @mbenjumafany pic.twitter.com/p7iHHoA8Jp— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) December 20, 2021 At the same time, decorated star Samuel Eto’o, who is now the president of the Cameroon FA, insisted that his federation will defend hosting the competition until its fruition.”I don’t see why Afcon wouldn’t take place. The Cameroon FA that I represent will defend hosting this competition to the end,” he told French station Canal+.🏆 The only player to win back-to-back European trebles🇨🇲 All-time leading AFCON & Cameroon scorer winning two AFCONs🐐 Proves his quality in LaLiga, Serie A & the Premier LeagueNow President of Cameroon’s Football Federation, @SamuelEtoo is an inspiration 👏 pic.twitter.com/IALlbaXanh— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) December 12, 2021
