Congo Brazzaville emerges as candidate to host 2019 AFCON

Congo Brazzaville has emerged as a strong contender to host next year’ s rearranged Africa Cup of Nations , according to a senior official in the Confederation of African Football .Constant Omari , a vice – president of CAF , also said that the dossier of Guinea , hosts -designate of the 2023 edition , does not exist.

“ Congo Brazzaville has written to organise ( 2019 ) , ” Omari told Radio France International.

“ Our ( CAF ) secretary – general , Anthony Baffoe , told me that he was going to tell me of a second candidate , ” he added without volunteering a name.

Morocco is widely considered the favourite to take on the tournament which was taken away from Cameroon due to delays with preparations and security concerns.

Omari , however , played down the Moroccan interest.

“ Officially , no act of candidature has been deposited with CAF , ” he said.

The decision to ditch Cameroon for 2019 has created a confusing merry – go – round as CAF has now suggested that Cameroon might host the 2021 edition , which was originally given to Ivory Coast who would , in turn , replace Guinea as hosts of 2023.

The Ivorians responded angrily this week , saying that “ no one in the federation has been contacted or approached by CAF ”.

Omari insisted that discussions were indeed taking place to ensure the tournaments go ahead with the amended schedule.

“ There are things that go on at the table and negotiations which go on under the table , ” said Omari.

“ Through certain channels , there has already been official contact between Ivory Coast and Cameroon . ”

It looks increasingly as if Guinea will now miss out entirely on hosting any of the next three tournaments.

“ We have asked the secretary general ( of CAF ) to dig out the file of Guinea because this substantial dossier isn’ t in the archives , ” said Omari.

( AFP )