Botswana will no longer be part of the proposed southern African bid for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations after the country failed to submit its bid documents by the Confederation of African Football’s deadline.
The withdrawal brings an end to Botswana’s plans to join South Africa and Zimbabwe in the proposed hosting project.
According to Mmegi, the key issue was the Botswana government’s decision not to provide the required guarantee for the bid. Sources cited by the publication said concerns over funding were among the reasons behind the government’s position.
The development came despite the Botswana Football Association (BFA) previously expressing confidence that it would have the necessary documentation ready before the deadline.
Why did Botswana pull out?
The disagreement appears to have centred on government backing for the proposed bid.
Mmegi reported that government sources cited a lack of funds and indicated that hosting AFCON was not regarded as a priority.
The BFA, however, reportedly took a different view of the process and argued that a financial guarantee was not required at that particular stage of the bidding process.
With the required documentation not submitted by 14 September 2026, Botswana effectively exited the bidding process.
The BFA had previously been preparing to submit a joint proposal with its southern African neighbours, with government backing expected to provide the necessary surety.
Botswana had plans to host matches
Botswana had hoped to play a role in the tournament rather than simply support the wider regional proposal.
Gaborone and Francistown were being considered as potential venues, with Francistown already having a CAF-approved facility.
The National Stadium in Gaborone had also undergone upgrades aimed at improving its status for international football.
A report from Botswana’s DailyNews said the upgrades were intended to help reduce the costs associated with moving teams between Gaborone and Francistown.
A multi-country bid would also have allowed the hosting responsibilities and infrastructure demands to be shared across participating nations.
Another AFCON hosting bid ends without success
The withdrawal represents another missed opportunity for Botswana to host the continental showpiece.
The country previously pursued hosting rights for the 2027 AFCON, but that bid was unsuccessful. CAF eventually awarded the 2027 tournament to the joint Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda proposal.
Botswana’s latest decision means the country will once again have to wait for another opportunity to stage AFCON matches.
For the 2028 process, meanwhile, South Africa and Zimbabwe will continue without Botswana after the proposed partnership was reshaped by the withdrawal.
The episode also highlights the importance of government guarantees and financial commitments in the process of bidding to host major continental tournaments.
