Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after the Pamoja Bid sailed.
During the CAF’s meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the African football governing body announced that the finals would be played in East Africa.
2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations hosts: SET! 👏
Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania. ✅ pic.twitter.com/dQ5ZgHUSpz
— CAF (@CAF_Online) September 27, 2023
The joint bid by East Africa was presented on the deadline day but has finally been accepted, and this will be the very first time the three nations will host the continental showpiece.
Nigeria, perennial AFCON participants and African giants, Benin and Senegal were also interested in hosting the event, but in the end, the Pamoja Bid triumphed.
In its bid, Kenya presented the Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, and Kipchoge Keino as the major facilities that will host the games.
Recently, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba handed over the three facilities to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to renovate the stadiums in readiness for the continental matches.
Kasarani Stadium has a capacity of 60,000, Nyayo can host 30,000 fans, and Kipchoge Keino has a smaller capacity compared to the other two.
Police Sacco Stadium, Kenya Utalii College Sports Club, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Jamhuri Sports Complex were also listed as stadiums ready for AFCON action.
Tanzania, Uganda Stadiums
Tanzania listed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as its main facility. This is the only CAF-approved stadium to host international matches in East Africa at the moment.
Tanzania, after the bid has been approved by CAF, will now have the duty to hasten the improvement of CCM Kirumba Stadium and Chamazi Sports Complex.
On the other hand, Uganda listed the Namboole National Stadium and made a promise to build two more international venues.
None of the East African countries has ever won an AFCON title, and a chance – complete with expected ecstatic home advantage – has presented itself for them to take a shot at the otherwise elusive gong.
Meanwhile, Morocco will host the 2025 finals.
