The CAF Confederation Cup tie between Nigeria’s Rivers United and South Africa’s Bloemfontein Celtic has been rescheduled for the weekend of 22-24 January.
REPORTS SUGGEST THE TIE WILL NOW TAKE PLACE IN BENIN
The second leg of the last 32 tie will now be played in a neighbouring country to Nigeria, which has more lenient Covid-19 protocols for travellers from South Africa.
According to reports, the match will most likely take place in Cotonou, the capital of neighbouring Benin.
Originally the match should have been played on 6 January in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt, but Siwelele were not able to travel to Nigeria due to the strict coronavirus regulations by the Nigerian government.
The regulations meant that Bloemfontein Celtic would have had to quarantine for seven days upon arrival, because South Africa is designated as one of the high risk countries.
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According to the South African Football Federation (SAFA), “the decision to reschedule the match comes after SAFA reached out to CAF to seek guidance on the matter after Bloemfontein Celtic’s initial appeal to the Nigerian FA and Nigerian government was turned down.
“The Nigerian Football Federation to decide and communicate the venue, date, kick-off-time and the approval of the neutral host association by 12 January 2021 at the latest.
“The additional player registration period starts on the 10 January 2021, the two teams shall not be allowed to field any of the players registered during this period for this match.”
BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC TRAIL 2-0 AFTER 1ST LEG
Rivers United lead the tie 2-0 after the first leg with the overall winners progressing to play Enyimba of Nigeria in the playoffs to qualify for the group stage of the Confederation Cup.
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