2010 FOOTBALL NATIONS CUP.

Mozambique after 2010 Nations Cup.

Mozambican President Armando Guebuza is backing the bid. Mozambique's government has given its seal of approval to the country's bid to host the African Cup of Nations in 2010. Government spokesman Luis Covane said President Armando Guebuza's cabinet approved the bid on Tuesday. The Mozambique Football Federation (FMF) plans to submit its proposal to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) before the deadline of 31 October.

The southern African nation joins Nigeria, Morocco, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe in expressing an interest in staging the competition. The 2010 Nations Cup will be held in the same year that South Africa becomes the first African nation to host the World Cup finals. Like other countries in southern Africa, Mozambique hopes to cash in from a boost in tourism and other promotional activities related to the World Cup being held on African soil.

FMF Secretary General Manuel Monteiro said the organisation was preparing a detailed proposal including three new stadiums and other facilities. "It's a vast project," Monteiro explained. The project will be in the capital Maputo in the south of the country, Chimoio in the central region and Nampula in the north of Mozambique, situated on the Indian Ocean coast.

Caf will announce the successful candidate next year.

REPORT FROM BBC SPORTS NEWS.