Bakambu: We are not immune to AFCON postponement

Cedric Bakambu of DR Congo celebrates his goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals game between Zimbabwe and DR Congo at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 30 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Jun 13, 2020. 11:00

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) international Cedric Bakambu is open to the idea of postponing the 2021 AFCON finals.

The continental tournament is scheduled to be staged in Cameroon between 9 January – 6 February.

However, the qualifiers have been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic with four rounds of matches left.

Bakambu, who has played in the last two AFCON finals, has shared his thoughts on the tournament.

“Frankly I do not know [if Afcon finals will be affected by the coronavirus],” Bakambu said on RFI.

“It will not be easy as there are still many qualifying matches left. I am ready, my team too.

“But we are not immune to AFCON postponement. Will have to do with it, there are more important things than football.”

Bakambu was part of the DRC team which was stunned by Madagascar at the 2019 AFCON finals in the round of 16.

“We hope to do better next time. We Congolese have to offer better, and I hope that we will do so at the next competition,” said Bakambu.

“You know how it goes in football. When it goes less well for the team, we point the finger at the coach. But he is not the only one responsible, we are all responsible, me first.”

Bakambu, who is on the books of Chinese side Beijing Guoan, has netted 13 goals in 29 matches for DRC.