Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor believes that the West African nation would welcome an approach to co-host 2025 Africa Cup of Nations if Confederation of African Football (CAF) comes up with such a proposal.
Neighboring Guinea were given rights to host the 2025 edition which will be the third 24-team edition after the one hosted last year in Egypt and next year tournament that is expected to be hosted in Cameroon.
Senghor said that both said both Guinea and Senegal would benefit a lot if they share hosting duties for the tournament.
“With Africa Cup of Nations having 24 participating teams, it would be wise for CAF to encourage co-hosting if any country will find it difficult to organize the tournament,” Senghor said.
“For now it is up to Guinea to say yes or no whether or not it is ready for a co-organization.
“I am sure that an Africa Cup of Nation hosted by two neighbouring countries will be a great celebration and the two could benefit from beautiful infrastructure to develop their football at the national level after the final phase of the tournament,” noted Senghor.
Guinea was initially scheduled to be the venue for the 2023 Cup of Nations but when the Confederation of African Football stripped Cameroon of its hosting rights for the 2019 edition, Conakry then agreed to host the 2025 event.
CAF Executive Committee passed the resolution to have a 24-team tournament in 2018 but the decision attracted mixed reactions from the football fraternity. Those opposing it said it would be much expensive to host since only a few countries have the infrastructure to host this competition on their own.
However, since Egypt successfully hosted the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations many now believe it’s possible to host a 24 team tournament as it paves way for innovative ways that will make the competition more attractive.
