Revealed: Which nation will host the 2027 AFCON final

Kenya's Kasarani stadium has been voted as the venue for the 2027 AFCON final | Photo Credit: Standard

FOOTBALL Revealed: Which nation will host the 2027 AFCON final

Shafic Kiyaga • 10:25 - 28.09.2023

The three East African neighbours delivered a compelling case for them to be given the rights over other bids from Senegal, Egypt, Botswana and a joint bid from Nigeria and Benin.

The excitement is still palpable within East Africa in the aftermath of the Confederation of African Football [CAF] Executive Committee vote to grant the region the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON].

A lot is yet to come to light regards the entire organisation of the tournament, as the three nations Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania involved in the successful bid finalize plans.

The Pulse eSports independence Cup is set to take place on 9th October 2023

The three East African neighbours delivered a compelling case for them to be given the rights over other bids from Senegal, Egypt, Botswana and a joint bid from Nigeria and Benin.

The 2027 AFCON will be the first time the tournament is held across three nations. And as such, the excitement has been replaced by anticipation of how the games will be shared.

Specifically, the anticipation revolves around which host nation or city will have the prestigious honour of hosting the grand 2027 AFCON final

An insider from CAF has disclosed to Pulse Sports Kenya that the Moi International Sports Centre, specifically the Kasarani Stadium in Kenya, 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,” the source revealed.

An aerial view of the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani | Photo Credit: Courtesy

“It was ultimately decided that Kasarani would host the final in July 2027,” the source added.

Kasarani Stadium's selection is attributed to its impressive capacity and its strategic proximity to essential facilities such as rail networks, airports, hospitals, hotels, and social amenities.

Other facilities like the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala and the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam were considered as potential venues.

However, it turns out that both venues will ultimately host the semi finals, with one of them hosting the third place play off.

The current status of Namboole Stadium undergoing redvelopment works by the UPDF Engineering Brigade. Twitter/JanetMuseveni

Beyond the three venues, other stadiums have been included in the bid, with Kenya including the 30,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

Alongside these grand venues, the bid included several training grounds, such as MISC Kasarani Annex, Police Sacco Stadium, Kenya Utalii College Sport Club, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Jamhuri Sports Complex.

Additionally, Uganda pledged to construct two more venues for the tournament: the Akii Bua Stadium in Lira and the Buhinga Stadium in Hoima.

Numerous other venues, including Nakivubo Stadium, were presented as support facilities.

Nakivubo playing turf is ready for use | Images by Ham Kiggundu

Tanzania included plans to upgrade venues in Dodoma, Arusha, Zanzibar, and the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, along with the Chamazi Complex, home to Azam FC.