It’s time for Ethiopia to host Afcon

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The withdrawal of Libya in hosting the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations has left many countries clamouring for the great opportunity .

However an African saying goes “ as you look at the future its important to take a look at the beginning where the dream started”.Ethiopia was one of only three teams and countries (along with Egypt and Sudan ) to participate in the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations in 1957 .

To go further Ethiopia is a founding member of CAF and hosted the early versions of Cup of Nations in 1962 when they won the coveted trophy .

The gods have a way when they have their own wish and with Libya’s withdrawal it certain and with all conviction that the next best destination for the African football showpiece makes it way back to its ancentral home in Ethiopia for the 2017 it is indeed time for Ethiopia Africa Cup of Nations.

ETHIOPIA IN Afcon HISTORY:

The origins of the African Nations Cup date back to June 1956 when the creation of CAF was proposed during the third Fifa congress in Lisbon.In February 1957, the Afcon took place in Khartoum,Sudan.The field was made up of the four founding nations of CAF in Ethiopia,Sudan,Egypt and South .Ethiopia later hosted the prestigious tournament 1962 1968 1976 succesfully meaning they have been tried and tasted .

Under the former Coach the “Teacher” Sewnet Bishaw Ethiopia succeeded in qualifying for the 2013 Africa n Cup of Nations after a 31 gruelling years of absence. Ethiopia has a long football tradition and was among the pioneers of international competition in Africa, playing its first international match in 1947, defeating French Somaliland 5–0. The Ethiopian Football Federation(EFF) joined Fifa in 1952 and in 1957. In 1959, Ethiopia entered the 1962 World Cup qualification for the first time and lost to Israel 2-4 on aggregate.The team won the Afcon on home soil, in 1962 under legend the late Mengistu Worku

STADIUMS:

The Ethiopia Government has been relentless in its campaign to ensure high standard stadiums are build in the country to add to the Home of Walia the National Stadium in Addis Ababa which plans are in high gear to renovate.

Also in the pipeline is the 60 000 seater Addis Ababa Stadium build to both Fifa and Olympic standards and specifications.The Stadium will be in Bole District others will be at Nefa Silk Lafto District,Yeka District and Arada District.Basically Ethiopia has been a head of the pack in laying out plans and constructions have started across the country .the Africa Cup of Nations is the most high profile truly African event, not only receiving extensive coverage within the continent and for this Ethiopia will be in for a big treat in all sectors.

Afcon EFFECT ON ETHIOPIAN ECONOMY:

Afcon 2017 being hosted by Ethiopia will see football enthusiasts from around the region,outside the region and all over Africa converge in the horn of Africa for the football jamboree that will help contribute significantly to the Ethiopian economy through trade and tourism.It will be a rare opportunity for Ethiopia to open its doors and many SME’s wil indeed benefit

TRANSPORT:

There is a Light rail system (Metro) under construction in Addis Ababa . It is being contracted by the China Railway Group Limited. The 34.25 km double track electrified light train transit will help decongest the city while making transport more cheaper and easier with completition slated for 2015 two years ahead of the Afcon.

CULTURE

Ethiopia has a diverse mix of ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. It is a country with more than 80 different ethnic groups each with its own language, culture, custom and tradition. One of the most significant areas of Ethiopian culture is its literature, which is represented predominantly by translations from ancient Greek and Hebrew religious texts into the ancient language Ge’ez, modern Amharic and Tigrigna languages.