Cameroon can still rest assured of hosting the African Nations Cup next year if they finish all projects linked to the competition on time and are sure to guarantee security for visiting teams and guests.
After sending a strong signal to Cameroon at the Sharm El Sheikh CAF Executive Committee Meeting, stating that the fate of the nation to host the AFCON 2019 will be determined only after the presidential elections owing to the slow delivery of the projects, CAF now says there’s no plan B.
“CAF hasn’t a plan B and has never reflected on the possible withdrawal of the host right from Cameroon. It is for Cameroon to tell us they’re not set or should be given more time to prepare…the enemy is from within,” Ahmad Ahmad declared.
The CAF president was on his maiden visit to Cameroon since he took over at the helm of the African football powerhouse from Cameroonian-born Issa Hayatou. His declarations came after an audience with the president of the Republic of Cameroon, Paul Biya, on Tuesday.
The outing rekindled the hopes of the entire nation about the possibility of hosting the new format Africa Nation’s Cup with 24 teams and the first ever to be played in the month of June.
While a majority of Cameroonians are overwhelmed with the recent developments, there are others who believe Cameroon is not still set for the competition because several projects earmarked to be delivered are still under construction. Others even said Ahmad Ahmad cannot decide Cameroon’s fate alone.
With a joint CAF and FIFA inspection team expected later this month to evaluate the level of security, many believe that the ongoing anglophone crisis might be a hindrance as Buea and Limbe to be used in the competition are in the troubled regions.
Ex-Indomitable Lion’s captain, Samuel Eto’o Fils, has been appreciated for making the visit of the president of the Confederation of African Football possible. Samuel Eto’o Fils did not only assure that Cameroon’s hosting right will be preserved, he described Paul Biya as an ideal presidential hopeful and promised to vote for him. His statement has disappointed thousands of his fans who have been calling for change in Cameroon.
The last inspection team of CAF is expected in November, after which a final decision will be made on Cameroon.
Ahmad Ahmad visited Cameroon alongside his vice president Constant Omari.
