Zambia will not host U23 Afcon in 2019

Zambia will not host U23 Afcon in 2019

Zambia will not host the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed yesterday.

Zambia won the rights to host the 3rd edition of the age restricted quadrennial tournament in 2014, but a media statement from FAZ cited economic reasons for the withdrawal.

And the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has since opened the bidding process for a new host nation for the competition.

“Zambia formally withdrew from the hosting of the 2019 edition. The committee called for the opening of bids for the selection of a new host country,” read a statement from Caf.

A media statement from Zambia’s football body read: “FAZ decided to withdraw from hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations edition after thorough consultations with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development.

“After these consultations with the Government, it has been concluded that the country is not in a position to host the tournament due to the current economic climate.

“FAZ would like to take this opportunity to thank CAF for having shown confidence in the Association and the country at large to host a tournament of this magnitude.” — supersport.com.