- Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have received the light to host AFCON 2027 after officially receiving the flag
- CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed confidence in East Africa’s readiness to host the tournament amid doubts
- Kenyan leaders highlighted the ongoing development projects that will ensure a better tournament compared to CHAN 2024
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have officially received the African Cup of Nations flag to host the 2027 tournament.
Source: Twitter
The handover, led by the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, followed the conclusion of AFCON 2025, which was played in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, January 18.
Ahead of Sunday’s games, Motsepe played down doubts about the readiness of East African countries to host AFCON 2027, stressing his responsibility to promote football across Africa.
“I have the responsibility to develop football throughout Africa—I cannot have football only in those countries with the best infrastructure, but I am sure that AFCON in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will be very successful. We will not eliminate competition from these countries,” he said.
What did Kenya say about AFCON 2027?
Minister of Sports Salim Mvurya he emphasized the readiness and commitment of Kenya in providing a successful tournament, stressing the country’s increasing capacity in the development of soccer and its readiness in infrastructure, coordination, and capacity to organize.
His statements were supported by the General Secretary of Sports Elijah Mwangi, who represented him at the event in Rabat.
“We have the capacity; we have everything needed, considering the infrastructure and services in the country, including our teams. It is a very good opportunity for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to show what we have as a country,” he noted.
Mwangi emphasized the ongoing progress to confirm readiness, revealing that the Talanta Stadium is about 90 percent complete, the Kasarani Stadium will undergo improvements, especially on the playing field, and the Nyayo National Stadium is expected to receive the installation of a roof as well as technical contributions from CAF.
The President of the Football Federation of Kenya, Hussein Mohammed, also confirmed their readiness to host a tournament that will leave a lasting mark on African football.
Source: Twitter
How will the AFCON circuit change?
The handover marks the official countdown to the 2027 tournament, which will be the first in the region since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.
It will also take place before the tournament changes to a four-year cycle, abandoning its usual two-year cycle.
The victory of organizing the tournament comes after the region organizes it CHAN 2024 successfully, where it set new standards for African football events.
“We will succeed, and we will make it better than CHAN, and if possible, better than Morocco. Welcome, Kenya,” Mwangi confirmed.
Who won the AFCON 2025 finals?
Meanwhile, Senegal’s game against Morocco was full of tension, leading to the game going several minutes after halftime.
In the final minutes of the game, Senegal were denied a goal by a corner kick before Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty after VAR intervention.
The Senegalese players did protest and left the field, but returned after Sadio Mané intervened.
Also read
Kenyan newspapers: Junet Mohamed reveals Raila Odinga planned to run for president in 2027
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, which forced the game into extra time. Pape Gueye of Senegal scored the winning goal in the 94th minute, and won the trophy.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
