The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Khady Diène Gaye, addressed Senegal’s candidacy to organize the 2029 African Cup of Nations (CAN). During the presentation of the national flag to the Beach Soccer Lions, she indicated that, although the ambition is there, Senegal must first overcome significant infrastructure challenges to host this sporting event.
Khady Diène Gaye stressed that the country, which has not organized the CAN since 1992, must focus on the development of its sports infrastructure. “Despite our international reputation and our talents, Senegal is not in a position, for the moment, to organize an African Cup of Nations,” she declared. The minister specified that the possibility of a candidacy for 2029 is being studied, but that no decision has yet been made.
She also recognized that the country does not yet have infrastructure that meets the standards required to host such an event. “We must decide on the path forward,” she added, emphasizing the need to prioritize improving sports infrastructure.
Although the facilities being built for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games are significant, they are not enough to organize a CAN, she said. “This is a priority for us, and we have already conveyed this concern to the highest authorities in the country,” she concluded.
Senegal
