The return of several Saudi Pro League stars to their clubs has been pushed back after all quarter-finalists were confirmed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
With the last eight now complete, the tournament’s quarter-finals will be played on Friday and Saturday, meaning a number of high-profile players in the Saudi league will remain with their national teams for longer than expected.
The quarter-final line-up includes Nigeria, Angola, Cape Verde, South Africa, Congo DR, Guinea, Mali and host nation Côte d’Ivoire.
As a result, clubs in the Saudi Pro League will have to wait for the possible return of several key names, including Al Nassr’s Sadio Mané, Al Shabab’s Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and Al Ahli’s Franck Kessié, alongside other internationals still involved in the competition.
The quarter-final schedule will see Nigeria face Angola and Cape Verde meet South Africa on Friday, before Côte d’Ivoire take on Mali and Congo DR play Guinea on Saturday.
With qualification secured, attention now turns to the final stages of the tournament, while Saudi clubs continue their season without several of their standout African players.
