Cameroon totally ready to host AFCON 2019

YAOUNDE - Cameroon's Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Pierre Ismael Bidoung Mkpatt said on Friday, as host for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019, Cameroon is keen to respect the guidelines of African Football Confederation (CAF) for the football championship.

"Cameroon is totally committed to fulfill the specifications of the African Football Confederation," Mkpatt told a press conference here on Friday.

"With regard to facilities, Cameroon has made considerable efforts to meet the requirements specified by CAF," Mkpatt said.

Thirty four stadiums including seven for competitions and 26 for trainings are in completion for some and operational for others in the various host cities, according to Mkpatt.

Hotel infrastructures, hospitals, airports, roads, communications and telecommunications facilities are undergoing "daily follow-up in order to respect the commitments of Cameroon," Mkpatt said.

CAF has expressed worries in the past about Cameroon's readiness to host the championship citing delay in construction of stadiums and an armed insurgency in progress in the English-speaking regions of the country. In early October, CAF President Ahmad Ahmad after a meeting with president Paul Biya, said CAF has no intention to withdraw hosting right from Cameroon.

AFCON 2019, with 24 instead of 16 teams for the first time, will be held from June 15 to July 13.