Khady Diène Gaye, the Senegalese Minister of Youth and Sports, announced on Monday that Senegal is preparing a bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during the review and adoption of the draft law about the Sports Code.

The tournament would mark Senegal’s second time hosting Africa’s biggest football competition, forty years after the 1992 edition.

Addressing members of parliament, Khady Diène Gaye stated that 2032 refers to the targeted hosting year and not the submission date of the bid.

“Senegal is indeed preparing its bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2032. However, the bid will not be submitted in 2032. This deadline corresponds to the year the competition is currently planned to be held in our country,” she said.

Minister Khady Diène Gaye further noted “First, the bid must be officially submitted, before being reviewed and potentially approved by the relevant authorities responsible for awarding the competition.”

Senegal intends to rely on key sports infrastructure including the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium and the future Demba Diop Stadium, alongside planned upgrades to regional stadiums.

By Ebrima KB Sonko