Motsepe Confirms 2027 AFCON on Schedule in East Africa

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, reaffirmed on Friday that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will proceed as scheduled in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, dismissing recent media speculation about a postponement to 2028.

Speaking after a CAF executive committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Motsepe described reports of a delay as totally unfounded. He expressed strong confidence in the joint East African bid, known as Pamoja, stating that the tournament would be enormously successful. The 36th edition of Africa's premier national team competition, featuring 24 teams, is set for June and or July 2027, with exact dates to be announced soon. This will mark the first time the event returns to East Africa since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976 as an eight-nation tournament.

The three countries were awarded hosting rights in 2023, but skepticism has persisted among stakeholders due to past challenges. Kenya, for instance, lost rights to the 1996 AFCON and the 2018 African Nations Championship over inadequate preparations. The 2024 CHAN, originally slated for February 2024, was delayed to August 2025 amid concerns about stadium renovations and...