Ngorongoro Heroes Await U20 AFCON Host Decision
Ivory Coast exits as U20 AFCON 2025 host, leaving Tanzania's Ngorongoro Heroes awaiting a new venue from CAF.
Ngorongoro Heroes in Limbo as Ivory Coast Withdraws from Hosting U20 AFCON
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Just one month before the kick-off of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ivory Coast has officially pulled out as the host nation, citing financial constraints.
In a statement released by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), the decision to step down was communicated to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with the government expressing its inability to bear the cost of organizing the continental tournament.
"The government has informed the Ivorian Football Federation of its withdrawal from hosting the AFCON U-20 tournament. The President extends his sincere gratitude to everyone for their dedication," the FIF statement read.
The biennial competition was set to feature 13 national under-20 teams, including Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Heroes. However, the withdrawal by Ivory Coast leaves the tournament’s venue uncertain, pending CAF’s announcement of an alternative host country.
According to Article 77 of the tournament regulations, any host nation that withdraws within six months of the event is subject to a fine of USD 250,000 (approximately TZS 665 million).
With Ivory Coast stepping back, Tanzania’s U20 squad must now wait for a CAF decision to know where they will compete. The Ngorongoro Heroes had secured their spot among the 13 qualified teams for the upcoming championship.
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