Zimbabwe and South Africa are the remaining partners in the proposed joint bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations after Botswana pulled out of the process.

According to a report by Botswana publication Mmegi, the Botswana government declined to provide the financial guarantee required for the country to remain part of the bid.

The report states that South Africa and Zimbabwe submitted their bid documents ahead of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deadline, while Botswana did not proceed with its submission.

Botswana had been part of the proposed three-country bid, with Gaborone and Francistown among the venues being considered to host matches.

The Botswana Football Association had been involved in preparations for the joint bid, but the government’s decision not to provide the required financial backing resulted in the country withdrawing from the process.

Mmegi reported that the government’s position was linked to financial considerations.

Botswana’s withdrawal leaves Zimbabwe and South Africa to continue with the joint proposal as CAF considers the bids for the 2028 AFCON finals.

The final decision on the host nation or nations will be made by CAF.