Ghana President John Dramani Mahama has backed Ethiopia’s bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), praising the country’s preparations after an official visit to the 52,000-capacity Bahir Dar Stadium.

Mahama described the facility as impressive and highlighted its certification by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as Ethiopia seeks to bring the continent’s flagship football tournament back to the country for the first time in more than five decades.

“This is a very impressive stadium, a 52,000-capacity stadium, and it’s already CAF-certified,” Mahama said during the inspection.

“We know that Ethiopia is bidding to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations. Ethiopia hasn’t hosted it for a very long time, so I think it’s only fair that they should be given the opportunity to do so,” he added.

The visit was attended by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other African leaders participating in the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa.

Ethiopia last hosted the AFCON in 1976 and is seeking to stage the 2028 edition as part of efforts to return to the forefront of African football.

Earlier this month, a CAF delegation visited Ethiopia to inspect the country’s facilities as part of the preparations for its hosting bid.

While Bahir Dar Stadium’s CAF certification represents an important step, Ethiopia’s overall bid will still be assessed against the governing body’s requirements for hosting the tournament.

A successful bid would see Ethiopia host the continental championship for the first time since 1976.