Uganda, East Africa revel in hosting 2027 edition of AFCON
The three East African countries Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have won the bid of hosting the 2027 edition of the African Nations Cup.
East Africa’s Pamoja bid beat Egypt, Senegal and Botswana whereas Algeria withdrew from the race on the eve of the announcement by the continental football governing body, CAF.
The collaboration by the East African countries aimed to bring to the limelight the untapped potential and the infectious enthusiasm of East African nations, offering a fresh perspective and a unique backdrop to the illustrious tournament.
Kenya fronted Nyayo Stadium, Kasarani Stadium and Kipchoge Keino Stadium to host the games whereas Uganda fronted Mandela National Stadium and Akiibua Stadium to host the showpiece.
Tanzania on the other hand fronted Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Chamazi Complex and CCM Kirumba Stadium.
“The commitment and drive made by the three presidents of the countries shows how eager the region is to host this event. We are very strict in the requirements we are placing on Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in terms of infrastructure, freedom of movement of people in and out, support and cooperation…because the key point is that we are absolutely determined to maintain the highest standards for African football,” CAF president Patrice Motsepe said during the announcement.
Commenting about the development, President Museveni said the East African bid was the most attractive.
“Commonsense showed even the assessors, I am sure, that that Pan-African effort was, logically, the most attractive, apart from any other considerations. We can only get more benefits if we extend this logic to other areas,” he said.
“Also, pooling together the sports infrastructure like stadia, made our bid more attractive. I salute the African sporting Authorities for this logically unimpeachable decision.”
The 2027 edition of the tournament will be the first-ever edition to be hosted by three different countries and also the first that will be organized in East Africa.
The edition will be the first to be hosted by the CECAFA region in 47 years since it was last hosted by Ethiopia in 1976.
The development came the CAF president announced that the continent’s most prestigious football showpiece will be zonal oriented so it can be hosted by all the geographic zones of Africa.
