CAF President Issa Hayatou Visits DRC Amid 2019 AFCON Bid
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Issa Hayatou has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of an official visit linked to the country’s growing involvement in continental football.
Hayatou is in the DRC for discussions with senior government officials, including Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, as the country prepares to host the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (U-23 AFCON) this December.
High on the agenda was the DRC’s bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Africa’s premier senior international tournament. The country is keen to position itself as a central player in African football, and hosting a successful youth tournament later this year could be a significant stepping stone toward that goal.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Matata Ponyo, practical arrangements for the U-23 tournament were reviewed, with both sides aiming to ensure a smooth and well-organised event. The competition serves not only as a showcase of emerging talent across the continent but also as a qualifier for the Olympic Games, adding to its prestige.
President Joseph Kabila’s administration is understood to be firmly behind the initiative, viewing football as a unifying force and a tool for national pride.
The CAF president’s visit signals the governing body’s recognition of the DRC’s ambitions and potential, though it remains to be seen how the country’s infrastructure and logistical capacities will measure up to the demands of hosting major international tournaments.
The final decision on the 2019 AFCON host is expected later this year, with several countries in contention.
