CAF insider reveals stadium selected for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations final

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FOOTBALL CAF insider reveals stadium selected for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations final

Festus Chuma 08:09 - 28.09.2023

CAF recently awarded Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania the 2027 AFCON, with the three nations presenting a major stadium for the final.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday awarded Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania the prestigious responsibility of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This strategic decision, announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, emanated from the comprehensive East Africa Pamoja Bid which ultimately eclipsed contenders Egypt, Senegal, and Botswana in securing the illustrious hosting rights for Africa's premier football tournament.

The tri-nation "Pamoja Bid” presented an array of stadiums set to be deployed for the tournament, meeting the requisite minimum of nine venues as stipulated by the tournament guidelines. 

The stadium lineup from Kenya was notably robust, featuring the sizable Kasarani Stadium with a capacity of 60,000, the Nyayo Stadium which can accommodate 30,000 fans, and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium, albeit with a smaller capacity. 

As anticipation builds over which stadium will have the honor of hosting the grand AFCON final, a source within the CAF infrastructure unveiled that the Moi International Sports Centre, specifically the Kasarani Stadium, is poised to be the chosen venue.

 “The CAF Executive Committee thoroughly reviewed the additional contents in Pamoja, engaging in further discussions behind closed doors. It was ultimately decided that Kasarani would host the final in July 2027,” the source disclosed.

The Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani emerged as a prime candidate due to its impressive capacity and its strategic proximity to essential facilities such as rail networks, airports, hospitals, hotels, and social amenities. 

In comparison, other major facilities presented in the bid, like Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala and Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, although significant, did not match up to the allure and comprehensive offerings embodied by Kasarani Stadium; hence, they will likely host the semifinals.

While Tanzania presented the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as its primary facility - the sole CAF-approved venue for international matches in East Africa presently - there are plans underway to expedite improvements on the CCM Kirumba Stadium and Chamazi Sports Complex following the bid’s approval.

On the Ugandan front, the government, while listing the Namboole National Stadium, has committed to constructing two additional international venues. Interestingly, there are whispers suggesting investments might flow towards developing venues outside the capital, in areas like Buhinga in Fort Portal, Akii Bua in Lira, and Kakyeka in Mbarara.

The logistics and infrastructure surrounding the venues play a pivotal role in CAF's decision-making process, as illustrated by the specifications that each venue must be near an airport, a level-five hospital, and a five-star hotel. Furthermore, to accommodate the 24 participating teams, the host or joint hosts should provide at least six stadiums.