Even before the invitation for official bids for the next three Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after 2027 was announced, interested hosts had already been in the race.

A total of seven countries have already placed their names in contention for either the 2028 Afcon or the 2032 and 2036. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved the tournament from bi-annual to every four years.

After Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host in 2027, another East African nation, Ethiopia, had already filed to bid for the 2028 edition, according to the state broadcaster EBC, which announced it back in January.

However, the Ethiopian bid is not without challenge, as a joint campaign from four Southern African countries, led by South Africa, is also underway, along with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

This bid could pose a threat to Ethiopia, potentially preventing a back-to-back East African hosting. However, with four countries in a joint bid is a first, and its size could also be a weakness.

Senegal and Egypt have both shown an interest in the 2032 event, but the Egyptians have also hinted at being keen to stage the 2036 finals.