CHAN 2018 -One thing is certain, Ghana is not scared to host the 2018 CHAN competition.
Following CAF’s decision to strip Kenya, the original hosts, of the rights, Ghana has been fingered by some stakeholders to be favourites to host the 2018 Championship of African Nations (CHAN).
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Sources have revealed that one of the major reasons for this sudden ‘nomination’ is the country’s successful hosting of the 2017 WAFU Nations Cup.
The successful WAFU ended with a massive victory for Ghana who beat Nigeria 4-1 to win the Cup on September 24th at the Cape Coast stadium.
There has been media speculation that Morocco or South Africa may replace Kenya but that narrative could change dramatically. as Ghana is emerging as a strong contender to host the tournament next year.
Why Kenya Was Stripped Of Rights
The decision to withdraw Kenya’s bid to host CHAN 2018 was taken at a meeting held in Accra on Saturday, September 23, 2017, chaired by the body’s President Mr Ahmad Ahmad.
CAF president said the decision came about due to the accumulated reports from various inspection missions conducted in the country.
Explaining some reasons to the media, Kwesi Nyantakyi, the first Vice President of CAF said the two stadia in Kenya did not appear to be ready before the start of the tournament, hence the decision by the executive body.
Kwesi Nyantakyi who is also the President of the Ghana Football Association said those who will be bidding to host the CHAN 2018 tournament will not be those who are now constructing stadia or improving hostel facilities.
This is because people struggling to put together infrastructures stand at risk of not being ready for the tournament. The bid he said will be open for countries with already existing infrastructure.
CHAN, another 16-team competition for home-based players will require more stadiums, training pitches and hotels and basically more infrastructure.
Some Ghanaian sports stakeholders have welcomed the idea of Ghana hosting the 2018 CHAN tournament. They are confident the country can put up a real show after hosting the 16 team West Africa Football Union Championship in Cape Coast and Elmina.
Some of these stakeholders are in the likes of Minister of Youth and Sports Isaac Asiamah who has stated Ghana’s readiness to host the 2018 CHAN competition.
Mr As Asiamah explains that if Ghana can pull off the WAFU championship as well as CAN 2008 which the whole world witnessed, then the country is more than ripe to host the 2018 tournament.
However while interacting with the media, the GFA President said that the decision to bid for CHAN rights is left for the Ghanaian government.
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