The president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), Ahmad Ahmad, has confirmed that South Africa could step in as hosts of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Caf have been assessing their options after they withdrew Cameroon’s hosting rights due to delays with preparations and security concerns.

The tournament is set to take place from 15 June to 13 July 13 next year, and the Caf president confirmed in an interview with AFP on Monday that South Africa is among their candidates.

Ahmad also confirmed that a final decision where the tournament will be staged will be announced on 9 January.

He added that Caf had received two or three letters of intent, one of which was from South Africa

‘According to my information, two or three letters of intent have arrived,’ the president told AFP.

‘South Africa is one of the countries to have sent a letter of intention. Two or three countries have made serious inquiries.

‘Everything will be finalised by 25 December to create a shortlist of candidates who have been evaluated.

‘The executive committee will meet in Dakar on 9 January, when we will make a decision,’ Ahmad concluded.

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