The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosting rights are under scrutiny, with concerns over Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania's preparedness. Despite CAF president Patrice Motsepe's public assurance that the three countries will host the tournament, several members of the CAF Executive Committee have expressed doubt. Motsepe recently toured the host countries, emphasizing that CAF was not considering alternative plans. However, his comments highlighted the urgency of the situation, with only nine months to go before the tournament.
The slow pace of construction in the host countries has raised concerns about their ability to meet the deadline. Members of the CAF Executive Committee have privately expressed resignation, comparing the situation to 2019 when Cameroon lost hosting rights due to delays. Egypt stepped in to host that edition, and Cameroon eventually staged the tournament in 2021. One Executive Committee member noted that, barring a miracle, the tournament may not take place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as planned.
CAF has reportedly made discreet contact with alternative hosts, including Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria, which have the required stadium infrastructure. These countries have 16, 13, and seven stadiums meeting the standards, respectively. Egypt and Ivory Coast, which hosted AFCON in 2023, are also potential alternatives. Saïd Ali Saïd Athouman, president of the Comoros Football Federation, identified five countries capable of hosting the tournament: South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Ivory Coast.
The contrast between Motsepe's public reassurances and the private views of those closest to the process suggests that the coming months will be critical in determining the host countries. The requirements for hosting an AFCON tournament include stadiums, transport, accommodation, and security. An assessment of Kenya's progress highlighted the need for completion of these requirements.
The 2027 AFCON is set to be the first-ever tournament hosted by East Africa. The region's readiness to host the tournament has been questioned, with concerns over infrastructure and logistics. The tournament's success is crucial for the region, and CAF must ensure that the host countries are prepared to meet the demands of the event.
Motsepe's inspection tour of the host countries included a visit to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. He emphasized the need for urgency, with a follow-up inspection visit planned for January 2027. The CAF president's comments highlighted the severity of the situation, and the need for the host countries to accelerate their preparations.
The final decision on the host countries will be critical, with significant implications for the region and the tournament's success. CAF must weigh the pros and cons of each potential host country, considering factors such as infrastructure, logistics, and experience. The 2027 AFCON promises to be an exciting event, and the host countries must be prepared to meet the demands of the tournament.
Key points
- CAF considers alternative hosts for AFCON 2027 due to doubts over Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania's readiness.
- Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria are being considered as alternative hosts.
- The 2027 AFCON is set to be the first-ever tournament hosted by East Africa.
