Why Botswana pulled out of the 2028 AFCON bid

Botswana has pulled out of the proposed joint bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The decision came after the Botswana government declined to provide the required guarantee for the bid, effectively ending the country’s involvement before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deadline.

Botswana had been preparing to join its southern African neighbours in a bid to stage the continental tournament, with the country hoping to host at least one group.

Why did Botswana pull out of the AFCON bid?

According to Mmegi, sources indicated that the Botswana government cited a lack of funds and did not consider hosting the tournament a priority.

The Botswana Football Association (BFA), however, reportedly argued that no financial guarantee was required at this particular stage of the bidding process.

The disagreement meant Botswana ultimately failed to submit its bid documents by the deadline of 14 September.

The BFA had earlier expressed confidence that the necessary documents would be ready, with the government expected to provide the required surety as a guarantor.

The latest development means the proposed three-country southern African bid will no longer include Botswana.

Did Botswana have any interest?

Botswana had hoped to host at least one group in either Gaborone or Francistown.

Francistown already has a CAF-approved facility, while the National Stadium in Gaborone has also undergone upgrades aimed at bringing it up to CAF Category 3 status.

Botswana’s government-owned DailyNews reported that the upgrades were intended to reduce the costs associated with moving international teams between Gaborone and Francistown.

Football officials reportedly viewed the joint bid as an opportunity because the hosting responsibilities would have been shared between three countries.

However, Mmegi reported that the Botswana government regarded hosting AFCON as a lower priority, with funding concerns also cited by sources.

Botswana misses another AFCON hosting opportunity

This is not Botswana’s first attempt to secure AFCON hosting rights.

The country previously submitted a bid for the 2027 tournament but was unsuccessful.

CAF ultimately awarded the 2027 finals to the joint East African bid involving Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

For the 2028 bid, Botswana’s withdrawal leaves South Africa and Zimbabwe without their planned three-country partnership.