2019 AFCON: Cameroon holds breath as CAF Inspectors arrive

Cameroon holds her breath as CAF President-Mr Ahmad’s errand boys arrive Thursday January 11, 2018, to take stock of infrastructural progress in view of the 2019 expanded Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Sports Minister Bidoung Mpkatt, the inspection team would be made up of 10 persons: 5 representing CAF and 5 from the new audit firm Roland Berger. Speaking to reporters Wednesday 10 January, 2018, in Yaoundé, Minister Bidoung Mpkatt said necessary measures had been taken, hoping that the inspectors would give Cameroon a passed mark.

The delegation will inspect facilities such as Stadia, Hotels, roads and other facilities in host cities, towards the successful organization of the 32nd edition of Africa’s premium football event, scheduled for June and July 2019.

Talking about earmarked host cities, from Douala, Yaoundé to Garoua, work is visibly slow. Bafoussam, Buea and Limbe may not pose a big problem because just minimal finishing touches are required. 

Reports are rife that CAF could turn to Morocco to host the tournament should Cameroon be deemed short of the requirements amidst rising political tension. 

Sports Minister Bidoung Mpkatt

The cardinal host cities Yaoundé and Douala are evoking monumental fears, leaving many a Cameroonian in skepticism. Tons of precast material may have arrived but as we speak, the vast Olembe and Japoma sites haven’t taken any shape.

According to the itinerary of the inspection tour, the 10-man delegation will be in Yaoundé from the 12th to the 13th of January 2018. On the 14th and 15th, they will be in Garoua. The next couple of days will see them in Bafoussam. 

Douala’s turn will be on the 18th and 19th of this month. Limbe and Buea welcome the CAF team from the 20th to the 21st. The inspection ends with a stop at the CAF Excellence Training Centre in Mbankomo, on the 23rd of January, 2018.

Finally, the inspection visit postponed in August last year is here. The only certainty is uncertainty as Cameroon and her authorities look to match words with the reality on the ground.