The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has relocated two quarter-final matches at the Orange African Cup of Nations to Bata and Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
A communiqué from CAF said that “Initially, quarterfinal match number 26 was scheduled in Ebebiyin on January 31st at 2000 LT. This match will now be played in Bata stadium the same day but with a kick off time at 2030 LT. (instead of 2000 LT.).
“Similarly, the quarterfinal match number 27 that was scheduled in Mongomo on February 1st at 1700 LT, will be played in Malabo stadium the same day and at the same time. That means that the quarterfinal match number 28 will now kick off at 2030 LT. (instead of 2000 LT.)”.
The continental body said that “The newly installed pitches in Ebebiyin and Mongomo have been very satisfactory, allowing free flowing play during the group stages and this despite having been installed only about one month ago.
“However, these two pitches have been adversely affected by combination of wear and tear from the six games played or to be played in each of them and the unstable weather conditions seen lately.
“Consequently, the CAF Executive Committee feels that the eight teams qualified for the quarterfinal stages onwards should be given the opportunity to play on grounds that provide the highest standards, specifically those of Bata and Malabo, to ensure the quality of play remains at the highest possible level.”
It further said that “This decision has been arrived at after consultation with all parties concerned, inclusive of the Local Organizing Committees and the teams involved.”
Four teams, host Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have already booked their places at the last eight as the best two teams from Groups A and B respectively.
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