Confederation of African Football Executive Committee has postponed the 2019 Cameroon AFCON day two fixtures that were scheduled for March 2018.
The decision was taken following a request by the five African qualifiers for the Russia World Cup 2018 to allow them use the FIFA window to prepare for the global showpiece.
“The CAF Secretariat will be responsible for proposing an amended schedule accordingly subject to the approval of the Executive Committee,” a statement from the Cairo based organization states.
Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Senegal will fly Africa’s flag at the World Cup.
CAF has at the same time moved to institute a committee to see how the five can supported to represent Africa well in Russia.
Ghana’s FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi will lead the group, with legendary Kalusha Bwalya and the FA presidents of the five qualifiers being members.
“The Committee is expected to hold its first meeting on the sidelines of the draw for the FIFA World Cup next month,” CAF said.
No African team has ever reached the semi-final of the World Cup.
This worrying reality has prompted CAF to work pari passu with the 2018 qualifiers to ensure the long term dream of the WC trophy landing in Africa come true.