CAF president Patrice Motsepe says he is confident Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will successfully host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, after completing an inspection tour of the three-nation project.
Motsepe expressed his optimism during a press conference on Thursday, following a two-day visit to Tanzania and Kenya to assess preparations for the tournament.
The CAF president said he was satisfied with the progress made so far and dismissed reports that the competition could be moved elsewhere.
He reaffirmed that the tournament would be staged across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, with the three countries set to host Africa’s biggest football competition.
Motsepe described the project as a source of collective pride for African football as preparations continue with nine months remaining before the tournament begins.
The CAF president also called for closer cooperation between the different bodies responsible for organising the competition.
“CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe says the three host countries, their respective Presidents, the Local Organising Committee and all key stakeholders must work closely together to deliver a successful AFCON 2027.”
His comments came after CAF carried out an assessment of preparations on the ground, with the continental governing body seeking to ensure that the necessary facilities and infrastructure are ready before the tournament.
Motsepe revealed that a 21-person expert delegation has been working across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda as part of the preparations.
Some members of the delegation are now permanently based in the host countries, allowing CAF’s technical teams to remain involved in the development of the tournament infrastructure.
Among the areas receiving attention are training facilities, playing pitches and other infrastructure required to stage the competition.
The CAF president praised the work already completed but stressed the need for those involved to maintain the current momentum.
He urged the organising committees and other stakeholders to continue working together as the tournament approaches.
The 2027 edition will be hosted jointly by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, making it a significant event for East African football.
For the three countries, the tournament will also provide an opportunity to stage one of the continent’s biggest sporting events on home soil.
Motsepe’s comments provide renewed confidence in the joint hosting arrangement after his inspection of preparations in Tanzania and Kenya.
With nine months left before the start of the competition, CAF’s focus is now on ensuring that the remaining work on facilities, pitches and other infrastructure is completed.
