CAF President confirms that AFCON 2027 will remain in East Africa.

The anticipation grows as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will remain in the East African region, dismissing rumors of a postponement to 2028. During a CAF meeting in Tanzania, Motsepe expressed optimism and confidence in the football federations of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, which are responsible for co-hosting this tournament that promises to be unforgettable.

“I know that the AFCON will be held here, so I don’t want to hear any more about whether the AFCON will be played in East Africa or whether it will be taken away,” Motsepe stated firmly. The CAF president emphasized the importance of solidarity and cooperation among the host countries as essential pillars for the success of the event. “We have done a lot to ensure that the AFCON takes place in East Africa, and our commitment remains unwavering. We must leave speculation behind and stay focused, as we know that the AFCON will be held here,” he added.

Motsepe did not hesitate to praise the dedication of the leaders of the three countries, thanking President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and President William Ruto of Kenya, who recently shared a video showcasing his country’s readiness to host the tournament. “CAF does not overlook their commitment,” he stated. For Motsepe, the success of the AFCON in 2027 is not just a possibility, but a certainty. “I am immensely confident that we will succeed in hosting the AFCON in 2027. We need to believe in ourselves as Africans and believe that we can hold a successful AFCON in our three countries,” he declared.

In addition, Motsepe addressed the issue of the elections in Kenya, scheduled for 2027, and reassured football enthusiasts: “I don’t believe this will affect the AFCON. We will have our tournament before the elections. That is the schedule, and we don’t need to worry about that.” This is the second support that Motsepe has expressed in less than a month regarding the hosting of the AFCON in East Africa, reaffirming his commitment to promoting African football.

The 2027 edition will be historic, not only because it will be the first to be co-hosted by three countries, but also because it will be the first time in five decades that the tournament takes place in the CECAFA region, since it was held in Ethiopia in 1976. This year is particularly significant as it marks the 70th anniversary of the AFCON and represents the last edition to be held in odd-numbered years, as CAF has announced that the tournament will become quadrennial starting in 2028.

With promises of a grand event and an appeal for unity and trust among African countries, Motsepe makes it clear that the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will be an unparalleled celebration of African football.