Ethiopia has officially thrown its hat into the ring to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), as the country's football federation (EFF) announced its government-backed bid to stage the continent's biggest footballing event.
The EFF says its proposal affirms "the nation's full readiness to host Africa's biggest footballing event." This is despite Ethiopia's footballing infrastructure lagging well behind others on the continent, with just one stadium approved for use by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) last season.
Ethiopia's Afcon Hosting History
Ethiopia has staged Afcon three times in the past: in 1962, 1968, and 1976. The country won the title on home soil in 1962 but has only qualified for the tournament three times since they last hosted. Their most recent appearance came at the 2021 edition, when they finished bottom without a win in a group containing Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde.
The EFF's announcement has generated mixed reactions, with critics questioning whether the country is truly prepared to host a tournament of this scale. Security is a major concern for Ethiopia's bid, as several parts of the country continue to experience armed conflict, political unrest, and other security challenges.
New Stadiums and Infrastructure
The country is in the process of inaugurating a new international stadium and sports complex in Addis Ababa, which could provide one location for the tournament. However, whether Ethiopia has enough compliant venues to host a 24-team Afcon across multiple locations remains a major question. A number of existing regional facilities are understood not to meet Fifa or Caf standards in terms of infrastructure, facilities, and overall match-day requirements.
Hosting Afcon would require more than upgrading or constructing stadiums. The country would also need adequate training facilities, gyms, accommodation, and entertainment venues, as well as reliable urban transport and security infrastructure. The EFF's proposal will need to address these concerns if the country is to successfully host Afcon 2028.
Competition for the 2028 Afcon
Ethiopia is not the only country to have expressed interest in hosting the 2028 Afcon. Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe announced a joint Southern African bid for the 2028 finals earlier this year. Morocco, which hosted the 2025 edition, is not in the running and is instead focusing on preparations to co-host the 2030 Fifa World Cup.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – three countries led by military governments – have expressed interest in co-hosting the 2032 Afcon. The 2027 Afcon is scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July next year, with the competition returning to East Africa for the first time since it was held in Ethiopia in 1976.
The outcome of Ethiopia's bid will be closely watched as the country continues to develop its footballing infrastructure. If successful, it would mark a significant milestone for the country's football federation and a major step forward for African football.
Source: Joy Online
