2022 World Cup: Ivory Coast-Malawi, where will the double confrontation be played out?
Ivory Coast and Malawi will face each other on October 8 and 11 in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. But the two countries cannot host international matches. Their federations are looking for a solution.
The Elephants of Ivory Coast in training.
It is an ubiquitous situation, or burlesque, to which Patrice Beaumelle and Meke Mwase would have preferred not to be confronted. The coach of Côte d’Ivoire and his counterpart from Malawi know that the Elephants and the Flames will meet twice, on October 8 and 11. But, the two technicians are still unaware, with less than three weeks of the first match, where the double confrontation will be held. This includes the third and fourth qualifying days for the 2022 World Cup (Group D).
The timetable has established that Malawi must first receive Côte d’Ivoire. But the two main stadiums in the small southern African country, in Lilongwe and Blantyre, have not been approved by the African Football Confederation (CAF). On September 7, Malawi hosted Mozambique at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg (South Africa). The Flames won (1-0) in front of empty stands, the match taking place behind closed doors.
In absolute terms, the Malawian federation would like to receive Ivory Coast
in South Africa. But this country is classified in the red zone by the British authorities because of the Covid-19 epidemic. And Patrice Beaumelle, several of whose players play in the English Premier League, is well aware of the problem that could arise. He recalls: “The players can go there, but on their return to Great Britain, they would be subjected to a period of isolation of 10 days. What the clubs, one can assume, do not want. “
Both matches at the same location?
Côte d’Ivoire is facing the same situation. The Alassane-Ouattara Olympic Stadium will not be available.The lawn is going to be changed. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) then proposed to CAF to organize the match against Malawi in Yamoussoukro. This enclosure is chosen to host CAN 2023 matches. But CAF refused this solution, believing that the stadium was not up to standard. This decision surprised many in Côte d’Ivoire where the body is considered in this case too picky.
“We are looking for another place. We surveyed in Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Morocco, Egypt…, confides Patrice Beaumelle. We must propose a place to CAF no later than this Wednesday (September 22). The ideal would perhaps be to play the two matches in the same place, since CAF has fixed them at very close dates. At least that would save everyone the extra long trip. The players will be less tired and the staff will have more time to work. “
The Ivorian and Malawian federations have also addressed this hypothesis during their discussions.
Another meeting, Namibia-Senegal on October 10, also poses a problem. Windhoek stadium is not CAF approved. This is why the Brave Warriors hosted the Congo on September 2 at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg (1-1). If the same option is repeated, the coach of the Lions of Teranga, Aliou Cissé, will have concerns. Several Senegalese players play in the English Premier League, and a trip to South Africa could be problematic for the health reasons mentioned above.
The first leg will be played on October 6, in Thiès.
The Elephants of Ivory Coast in training.
From our correspondent in France
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By: RUTEMBESA Anicet 🔲 Africa News24
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