Despite reports of Kenya being the next country to host the prestigious African Cup of Nations (CHAN), the organizers have opted to choose Morocco as the host of the tournament next year.
According to the African Football Confederation (CAF), Kenya lacked the necessary preparations required to host the tournament.
“With an overwhelming majority of the members present, it was decided to withdraw the hosting rights of the competition from Kenya in the light of accumulated delays from reports of the various inspection missions conducted in the country,” CAF said.
Former football administrator Gerald Chege, who was also part of Kenya’s CHAN-2018 bidding team, says losing the opportunity to host the tournament will only add to Kenyan football’s downward spiral.
Read: Dennis Oliech Kicked Out of House in Lavington, Back to Living with Mother in Dagoretti
Earlier this year Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa expressed his confidence in hosting the tournament and assured Kenyans that stadium renovations were taking place.
However, Morocco managed to secure the 2018 bid ahead of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Equatorial Guinea.
The last time Morocco hosted a senior CAF competition was in 1998.
There tournament provides a chance for local based players to showcase their talent on a international stage.
Do you have a story you want told? Do you know of a sensitive story you would like us to get our hands on? Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.com
Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.com or WhatsApp +254707482874