The Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to put off Raja’s game against Egyptian side Zamalek in the Champions League semi-final, as well as the final game of the competition, until further notice due to the spread of covid-19 infections among the Moroccan club’s players.
The second leg was supposed to be held in Cairo but had been postponed before as per a request from Raja after the Moroccan team’s squad had been seriously hit with covid-19. They had been placed under quarantine by Moroccan health authorities as many players and staff members returned positive test results.
The fight to reach the #TotalCAFCL final will be a tough one for sure 💪#ZSCRCA pic.twitter.com/MI866OTef7
— CAF (@CAF_Online) October 29, 2020
The CAF earlier announced that negotiations with both clubs were in progress to find a solution that satisfied all parties: “Discussions continue between clubs & CAF experts to find a pattern complying with regulations and returning to play spirit. At this stage, the postponement of semifinal Zamalek vs Raja is certain. Constructive spirit on both sides.”
They then declared the news through a tweet posted on the official website that stated.
“At the request of Egyptian authorities, the final is now postponed. Official discussions are underway to find a new and suitable date. Stakeholders are working in good faith and Consultations are ongoing.”
Reports had earlier suggested that CAF decided to reschedule the second leg clash between Zamalek and Raja for 4 instead of 1 November due to the slow recovery of Raja’s players, while the final was put off until 27 instead of 6 November, before the governing body resorted to postponing both games without setting the new dates.
Zamalek secured a 1-0 lead in the first leg that was played in Casablanca by a header from Achraf Bencarki.
