)
The region’s collaborative dream to host the AFCON became a reality when Motsepe revealed the card confirming a CAF Executive Committee vote for the hosts of the tournament in 2027.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Dr Patrice Motsepe declared his confidence in East Africa’s potential to stage a successful Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in 2027.
East African nations Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will have the opportunity to host Africa’s premier football competition for the first time in 2027.
)
The region’s collaborative dream to host the AFCON became a reality when Motsepe revealed the card confirming a CAF Executive Committee vote for the hosts of the tournament in 2027.
During his speech following the announcement, the South African businessman delivered this vote of confidence in East Africa’s potential to host a successful AFCON.
Motsepe told a packed room of delegates that included FUFA president Moses Magogo and State Minister for Sport Peter Ogwang in Cairo that he has guarantee that ‘everything will be okay’ for East Africa.
"The CAF Executive Committee ('EXCO') was impressed by the quality of the presentations by the Bidding Countries and the Reports of Roland Berger and PWC,” Motsepe said.
“We want to congratulate Morocco and Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and we are confident that they will fulfill the very high standards that we have set for hosting a successful and world-class AFCON Competition," he added.
)
Neither of the three countries has ever hosted the tournament before, and the fact that they were granted the opportunity, confirms CAF’s commitment to have the tournament spread throughout its six zones.
While Kenya were given the rights to host the AFCON in 1996, they eventually pulled out. They were also named hosts of the 2018 Africa Nations Championships, but CAF withdrew the rights.
The entire Central and East Africa region [CECAFA] has hosted the tournament on one occasion in 1976 when Ethiopia were hosts.
)
10:35 - 27.09.2023
COMMENTARY East Africa holds its breath, as CAF decides on Pamoja Fate
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have demonstrated their commitment to upgrading their facilities and meeting CAF standards. The dream of hosting AFCON is within reach, and East Africa collectively holds its breath in anticipation.
“I am also pleased that our commitment to enable each of the six CAF Zonal Unions to host the AFCON Competition is being implemented by the AFCON 2027 being awarded to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda which are part of the CECAFA Zone,” the CAF president said.
“This Zone last hosted the AFCON Competition in 1976 when it was awarded to Ethiopia.”
The Pamoja bid faced competition from Egypt – hosts in 2019, Senegal, Botswana and a joint bid from Nigeria and Benin.
)
Algeria, a pre-vote favourite withdrew both their bids for both the 2025 and 2027 editions on the eve of the voting day.
While there were concerns over East Africa’s potential to deliver a successful tournament, Motsepe noted that the bid presented a compelling case, backed by substantial investments and unwavering political support from all three participating nations.
"The beauty is if you look at the presentation that was made, all of the heads of state were expressing their deep commitment. So, we are very excited,” Motsepe explained.
)
07:51 - 28.09.2023
PAMOJA BID How much every nation will contribute to AFCON 2027
The Pamoja bid which is a collaborative effort between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania emerged victorious, securing the prestigious honour of hosting the 2027 AFCON.
"You have all the heads of states, President Ruto, President Museveni and President Samia expressing deep commitment to ensuring the tournament will be successfully hosted in East Africa.”
“I just want to say we are very strict in terms of the requirements that we are placing on these countries both in terms of freedom of movement of people in and out of the country and the support of the infrastructure.”
“We will be sending teams to form an evaluation of the progress that has been made."
"The future of African football has never been brighter...in the near future an African nation will win the World Cup," Motsepe said.
)
The East African bid, known as 'Pamoja,' was submitted to CAF on the deadline day and received by CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba in Cairo, Egypt.
Notably, Kenya presented several facilities in its bid, including the 60,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), the 30,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
The training grounds featured in the bid included MISC Kasarani Annex, Police Sacco Stadium, Kenya Utalii College Sport Club, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Jamhuri Sports Complex.
Uganda proposed the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as a potential venue, also promising to build two more venues for the tournament.
Uganda is expected to construct the Akii Bua stadium in Lira as well as the Buhinga Stadium in Hoima, with proposals for the construction already finalized.
The country has also presented several other venues including Nakivubo Stadium among the support facilities for the tournament.
Tanzania, on the other hand, showcased the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, the only CAF-certified stadium among the three nations.
Additionally, the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, Chamazi Complex (home to Azam FC), and venues in Dodoma, Arusha, and Zanzibar are set to be upgraded to meet the required standards.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)