Morocco and Liberia’s much anticipated AFCON 2023 qualification game has been abruptly postponed.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), who made the decision, did so in response to safety and infrastructural concerns raised by a strong earthquake that occurred on Moroccan soil.
The seismic catastrophe that shook the country required quick assessments and safeguards, forcing the CAF to put the safety of the players, officials, and spectators first.
As a result, the matchup between the Atlas Lions of Morocco and the Lone Stars of Liberia, which was originally planned as a high-stakes matchup, has been postponed.
A magnitude 7 earthquake near El Haouz on Friday night shocked Moroccans all around the nation.
The current official death toll is 1,037, with 1,204 injured and 721 in critical condition.
El Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, and Greater Casablanca are just a few of the provinces that have suffered casualties.
Official press statement from CAF reads:
“CAF has agreed to postpone the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 Qualifier match between Morocco and Liberia following the earthquake in Morocco which resulted in more than 800 people losing their lives and hundreds injured.
The match was initially scheduled to take place on Saturday 9 September 2023 at 19H00 (Morocco Time) in Agadir, Morocco.
CAF will announce a new date and details regarding the match in due course.
CAF expresses its condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, the Fédération Royale de Football and the people of Morocco.
There will be a moment of silence before the start of all the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 Qualifier matches on Saturday 9 September and Sunday 10 September 2023 to acknowledge and honour the people who lost their lives during the tragedy in Morocco”
