Omanghana
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially approved a joint bid from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to move forward in the race to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The decision was confirmed after a meeting in New York between CAF President Patrice Motsepe and the presidents of the three countries’ football federations, where the continental governing body accepted their expression of interest.
The move makes the three Sahel nations the first officially declared candidate for the 2032 AFCON tournament.
Historic Bid for Alliance of Sahel States
The joint proposal carries major political and regional significance, coming at a time of deepening cooperation among the three countries.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are all currently governed by military administrations and recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
If successful, the bid would mark the first time that three Sahel countries jointly host Africa’s premier football competition.
The proposal also reflects CAF’s growing preference for multi-country hosting models aimed at reducing infrastructure costs and promoting regional cooperation. The approach mirrors the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) said the bid is built around the principles of:
- Regional solidarity
- African integration
- Sustainable development of football across the continent
Security Challenges Remain Major Concern
Although CAF has allowed the bid to proceed, the three nations face significant challenges, particularly regarding security and infrastructure readiness.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are all battling long-running jihadist insurgencies that have caused widespread instability and displaced millions of people.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the countries would not be excluded because they are led by military governments, but emphasized that strict guarantees would be required.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Motsepe said security arrangements, stadium standards, police protection, and the ability of supporters to travel freely would be critical factors in the final decision.
Stadium Readiness Varies Across Countries
The three countries currently have different levels of preparedness when it comes to football infrastructure.
Mali
Mali has a relatively strong foundation, with five CAF-approved stadiums capable of hosting international matches.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has also made progress, with its main stadium in Ouagadougou receiving CAF approval.
Niger
Niger faces the biggest infrastructure challenge. The country’s General Seyni Kountche Stadium has been unavailable for international matches since 2022 after failing to meet required standards.
Authorities will need to complete major upgrades if Niger is to play a central role in the tournament.
Hosting File Preparation Begins
Following CAF’s approval, the three football federations must now work with external consultants to prepare a detailed hosting dossier.
The submission will need to outline:
- Stadium renovation plans
- Security strategies
- Transportation systems
- Accommodation capacity
- Fan movement arrangements
- Overall tournament logistics
CAF will evaluate the final proposals before selecting the official host nation or nations for the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations.
A Defining Opportunity for Sahel Football
For Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the AFCON bid represents more than a football project. It is an opportunity to showcase regional cooperation, accelerate infrastructure development, and strengthen the role of Sahel nations within African sport.
However, overcoming security concerns and meeting CAF’s technical requirements will be crucial if the historic joint bid is to become reality.
Source: Omanghana
