African Champions League final to be played Oct. 16-17

CAIRO, Aug 3 (Reuters) - The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has abandoned plans to play the semi-final and final of the 2019-20 African Champions League in a single venue and have set a date of Oct. 16-17 for the continental decider.

Cameroon had been earmarked to host the final stages of the competition, but following their withdrawal CAF confirmed the semi-finals will be played over two legs on a home and away basis, with the final potentially at a neutral venue.

Both semi-finals feature Moroccan clubs against Egyptian opposition as Raja Casablanca take on Zamalek, while Wydad Casablanca meet Al Ahly.

The first legs of both ties will be played in Morocco on Sept. 25-26, with the returns in Egypt on Oct. 2-3.

Should the two winners be from the same nation then the final will be in that country in mid-October, but if not, CAF has asked member associations to bid to host the decider at a neutral venue, setting a deadline of Aug. 17 for interested parties.

CAF has also confirmed the dates for the African Confederation Cup’s closing stages that will be played in Morocco.

Pyramids of Egypt meet Horoya from Guinea in Casablanca on Sept. 22, while on the same day there is an all-Moroccan clash between RS Berkane and Hassania Agadir in Rabat.

The final will be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sept. 27.