Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for a "heightened sense of urgency" from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as they prepare to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament is set to return to East Africa for the first time in over five decades, with the three nations jointly staging the expanded 24-team competition.
Motsepe's appeal came during a recent visit to the region, where he inspected ongoing infrastructure projects, including stadium renovations and training facilities. He stressed that while progress has been made, all stakeholders must accelerate their efforts to meet CAF's stringent hosting requirements. The CAF president reiterated that the deadline for completing key venues is non-negotiable, and any delays could jeopardize the tournament's successful delivery.
The 2027 AFCON will be the first to be hosted by three countries, following CAF's decision to award the hosting rights to the East African Pamoja bid in 2023. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have committed to upgrading existing stadiums and building new ones, as well as improving transportation, accommodation and security infrastructure. The event is expected to boost local economies and leave a lasting legacy for football development in the region.
However, challenges remain, including funding gaps and construction timelines. Motsepe emphasized that CAF will continue to work closely with the host governments and local organizing committees to ensure all preparations are on track. He also highlighted the importance of government support and private sector involvement to deliver a world-class tournament.
With the tournament scheduled for June-July 2027, the coming months will be critical for the co-hosts to demonstrate their readiness. Motsepe's call for urgency serves as a reminder that time is of the essence, and only a concerted effort will ensure that the 2027 AFCON is a resounding success.
