Ethiopia Targets AFCON 2028 Hosting as CAF Inspects Dire Dawa Stadium and Demands Major Upgrades

Ethiopia’s ambition to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations has taken an important step forward, but significant stadium renovations and urgent government intervention could determine whether the country’s bid succeeds.

Ethiopia has entered the race to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with a Confederation of African Football (CAF) expert team inspecting Dire Dawa Stadium as part of an assessment of the country’s readiness to stage Africa’s premier football tournament.

The inspection marks an important moment for Ethiopia, which is seeking to strengthen its position as a potential host of one of the continent’s biggest sporting events. However, while the assessment reportedly highlighted positive aspects of Dire Dawa’s infrastructure, it also identified several critical areas requiring substantial investment before the stadium can meet CAF’s hosting standards.

According to the information provided, the inspection team praised the city's hotel accommodation and road infrastructure, recognising these facilities as important advantages for hosting an international tournament that attracts thousands of supporters, officials, journalists and visiting teams.

Despite these positive observations, the condition and suitability of the stadium remain major concerns that must be addressed if Ethiopia is to advance its AFCON 2028 ambitions.

One of the key requirements identified during the inspection is the need to upgrade Dire Dawa Stadium from CAF Category 2 to Category 4, the higher classification required for hosting matches at the highest level of African club and national-team competitions.

The proposed improvements reportedly include upgrading the playing surface, improving players' entrances and modernising VIP facilities.

These requirements go beyond cosmetic renovations. A stadium preparing to host AFCON matches must meet demanding standards relating to player safety, pitch quality, spectator experience, media operations, security and overall match-day organisation.

The playing surface is particularly important, as a high-quality pitch is essential for ensuring that teams can compete under appropriate conditions throughout a major tournament.

Meanwhile, improvements to players' access areas and VIP facilities would help bring the venue closer to the standards expected at a continental football showpiece.

The scale of the work means that Ethiopia will need a coordinated development plan, sufficient funding and experienced construction contractors capable of completing the necessary improvements within the required timeframe.

The inspection has also highlighted the importance of urgent government support in turning Ethiopia's hosting ambition into reality.

Stadium renovations of this magnitude require substantial financial resources, careful project management and cooperation between national authorities, local officials and football administrators.

Experienced contractors will be particularly important to ensure that the upgrades meet CAF's technical requirements and are completed to an acceptable standard.

Failure to address the identified shortcomings could weaken Ethiopia's prospects, particularly if competing bidders demonstrate stronger stadium infrastructure and greater readiness to host the tournament.

Nevertheless, the positive assessment of Dire Dawa's hotels and road network provides a foundation on which the country can build as it works towards meeting the remaining requirements.

Hosting AFCON 2028 would represent a significant opportunity for Ethiopia to showcase its football culture, attract international visitors and stimulate economic activity through tourism, hospitality and related industries.

It could also encourage investment in sporting infrastructure and provide a platform for the country's football development.

However, submitting a hosting bid is only the beginning. Ethiopia must demonstrate that its proposed venues and supporting infrastructure can satisfy CAF's requirements before it can realistically expect to host the competition.

The inspection of Dire Dawa Stadium has therefore delivered both encouragement and a clear warning the country's ambitions are possible, but substantial work remains.

With stadium upgrades, government backing and experienced contractors now central to the process, Ethiopia's next steps will be crucial in determining whether its AFCON 2028 dream becomes a reality.

Source:https://x.com/MickyJnr__/status/2111922027007197355