The Caf headquarters in Cairo has received from Ivory Coast, Libya and Namibia.

They join four other countries that have already lodged papers with the organisation: Algeria, Egypt, Gabon and South Africa.

The four semi-finalists, and the next best-placed team, will qualify.

Many countries are keen to bid because they want to get home advantage.

Ivory Coast's bid to host the tournament already has full government approval.

Libya and Namibia have sent their intention to hold the event in 2006, bit do not yet have full official backing.

The deadline for bids is 31 March, and more countries are likely to declare an interest before that date.

Senegal's sports Minister Joseph Ndong has already announced that his country will be putting in a bid.

The final decision on who will win the right to hold the tournament will be made in September.