Said Benrahma is expected to be called up to the Algeria squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations despite worries over Covid-19 and the Omicron variant. Last week reports emerged that the already delayed 2021 AFCON was set to be suspended once more but the Confederation of African Football [CAF] is adamant the tournament will take place between January 9 and February 6, 2022. CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba called on organisers to “work around the clock” so the tournament could go ahead.
Veron Mosengo-Omba said: “There is a lot of work that is being done. We have to continue with the same momentum. We cannot rest. We have to work around the clock. I’m not resting, the LOC cannot rest. CAF cannot rest. Everyone must join the efforts. We want to see a great TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations here in Cameroon in January next year.”
If the tournament does go ahead as planned, clubs will be asked to release their players for international duty on 27 December, although there are hopes that extensions can be agreed with respective national teams.
