Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed his confidence that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will successfully host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite challenges facing preparations for the continental tournament.
Motsepe acknowledged that the three East African countries still have significant work to complete, particularly in facilities and infrastructure, but said CAF would continue working with the hosts to ensure they meet the required deadlines.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Motsepe said there would always be challenges in preparing for a major tournament, but urged the three countries to work together and accelerate their preparations.
The 2027 AFCON will be the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The competition is provisionally scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with 24 teams expected to compete.
Motsepe particularly highlighted progress in Tanzania but stressed that the remaining work needs to move faster, with only about nine months remaining before the tournament is scheduled to begin.
His comments come as preparations in the three countries continue to attract attention, especially regarding stadiums and other infrastructure required to meet CAF standards.
Kenya has been working on major sporting facilities ahead of the tournament.
Earlier in July, Reuters reported that construction of Nairobi’s Talanta Sports City stadium and renovation work at the Moi International Sports Centre were among the projects being monitored as preparations continued.
CAF had not yet announced the final tournament venues at that time.
Motsepe’s latest remarks provide renewed assurance to the East African hosts that CAF remains committed to helping them deliver the tournament.
The 2027 AFCON is expected to be a major sporting event for the region, giving Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda the opportunity to stage Africa’s premier men’s football championship on home soil.
With the tournament approaching, attention will now turn to whether the three countries can complete the remaining facilities and infrastructure within the required timelines.
