Zambia withdraws from hosting 2019 Under-23 Africa Cup tournament

LUSAKA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has withdrawn from hosting the 2019 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, the country's soccer governing body said on Friday.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said it decided to withdraw from hosting the event after thorough consultations with the ministry responsible for sports.

"After these consultations with the government, it has been concluded that the country is not in a position to host the tournament due to the current economic climate," it said in a statement.

The soccer governing body has since thanked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for having given it the opportunity to host the event.