Following the stripping of Kenya of the right to host the 2018 African Nations Championship, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) immediately opened bidding for the organisation of the event, with several nations showing interest.
The deadline closed on Saturday September 30, with CAF releasing the names of the four countries whose applications have been retained for the tournament meant for home-based players.
Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia and Equatorial Guinea will be vying for the right to host the competition originally scheduled for January next year.
In a statement released by Morocco after submitting its application on Saturday, the Kingdom said the move was to welcome African youths and contribute to their development.
“The decision of the Kingdom of Morocco to host the continental competition falls in line with the policy of openness towards the African countries by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who is willing to welcome the youths of the continent and contribute to their growth and development,” the statement said.
The name of the successful candidate will be announced next week, according to CAF.
Kenya was denied the opportunity due to poor preparation and political uncertainties in the East African country.
The first edition was hosted by Ivory Coast in 2009 and won by the DR Congo, who remain the most successful with two titles.
