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Riyad Mahrez celebrates his goal for Algeria
Riyad Mahrez celebrates his goal for Algeria

Africa Cup of nations: Tournament moving to January means Liverpool & Man City risk losing stars over crucial period

By Sporting Life
Football
Wed January 15, 2020 · 6y ago

Liverpool will among the teams most affected by the decision to stage the 2021 African Cup of Nations next January, which could see Premier League teams lose their stars during a crucial part of the season.

The Cameroon Football Federation has announced that the tournament, which was held in June and July in 2019, will take place between January 9 and February 6 due to weather conditions in the country at that time of year.

It's horrific news for Premier League teams with African players likely to be involved, but especially for current league leaders Liverpool who could lose Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita for a crucial stage of the season.

Manchester City would also miss Riyad Mahrez, with reports suggesting that players would have to report as early as Boxing Day for the tournament, and they could then miss up to seven Premier League games and FA Cup ties.

"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," the federation posted on Twitter after a meeting with representatives from the Confederation of African Football.

Since 1960, the tournament was always held during winter or early spring, mainly due to climate reasons and to avoid conflict with other international tournaments or club competitions, but it was changed last year when Egypt hosted the first summer tournament.

Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) and Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast) are also likely to feature, with Manchester United and Leicester among other Premier League clubs who may be without first-team players.

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