Botswana has abandoned its joint bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations.
The withdrawal follows the government’s decision not to provide the financial guarantee required for the bid.
According to Mmegi, Botswana failed to submit its bidding documents before the September 14 deadline.
The government reportedly cited financial constraints when explaining its decision.
It also indicated that hosting AFCON was not among its immediate priorities.
Zimbabwe and South Africa Continue Their Bid
The development leaves Zimbabwe and South Africa to pursue the proposal without Botswana.
CAF had previously extended the bidding deadline from the end of August to September 14.
However, the Botswana Football Association could not complete its submission without government backing.
BFA officials had maintained that an official financial guarantee was unnecessary during the initial bidding stage.
Nevertheless, the government’s refusal ultimately prevented Botswana from continuing.
Under the original proposal, Botswana would have hosted matches in Gaborone and Francistown.
Francistown already has stadium infrastructure that could support tournament matches.
Meanwhile, planned renovations would have upgraded Gaborone’s National Stadium to CAF requirements.
Zimbabwe and South Africa reportedly submitted their documents before the deadline.
Their submissions were backed by financial guarantees from their respective governments.
What Botswana’s Exit Means
The withdrawal could force Zimbabwe and South Africa to restructure their original tournament proposal.
The two countries may now need to reconsider venue allocations and match distribution.
They could also reassess accommodation, transportation and other logistical arrangements.
Botswana had previously targeted AFCON hosting opportunities but missed out on the 2027 tournament.
CAF instead awarded the 2027 competition to the joint Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda bid.
South Africa brings significant tournament experience to the remaining proposal.
The country hosted AFCON in 1996 and 2013.
It also staged the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, recently regained approval to host international matches at the National Sports Stadium.
The venue underwent extensive renovation work before receiving permission again.
However, additional improvements could still be necessary for CAF approval.
CAF is expected to assess proposed venues and supporting infrastructure before selecting the 2028 host.
Hosting AFCON could generate tourism, business and commercial opportunities for the successful bidders.
However, the tournament would also demand major spending on stadiums and transport.
Governments would also need to address security, accommodation and wider tournament operations.
For now, Zimbabwe and South Africa remain in the race after Botswana’s withdrawal.
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