The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially chosen the collaborative East African bid of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This announcement came during a Wednesday meeting of the Executive Committee, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe making the declaration.
The East Africa Pamoja bid prevailed over strong competition from Senegal, Egypt, and Botswana.
This decision not only grants hosting rights but also automatically qualifies the three East African nations for the 2027 AFCON.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to all the participating nations. Even for those whose bids weren’t successful, I want to emphasize how proud I am of their efforts. Each one of them has shown the capability to host AFCON,” Motsepe expressed.
Motsepe then unveiled the winning bid, revealing the East African alliance.
“The triumphant hosts are Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Let’s give them a round of applause,” Motsepe announced.
“When you consider the outstanding presentations made by Presidents Ruto (Kenya), Museveni (Uganda), and Samia (Tanzania), their unwavering commitment is truly inspiring, and we’re all thrilled.”
This marks the first time since 1976 (Ethiopia) that the CECAFA region hosts the AFCON tournament.
Furthermore, it’s a historic first as the AFCON tournament will be jointly hosted by three countries.
Additionally, this marks the inaugural hosting of the AFCON by any of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania!
In related developments, Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals. This decision came as a replacement for Guinea, which had been stripped of its hosting privileges last year.
Morocco emerged as the host by default, as Algeria, Zambia, and a joint bid from Benin and Nigeria all withdrew their bids before the vote during the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee meeting in Cairo on Wednesday.
Uganda’s proposed venues
Hospital – Mulago Hospital
Hotels – Sheraton Hotel and Kampala Serena Hotel
Training Grounds – Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) and Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku
Stadiums – Mandela National Stadium, Denver Godwin Stadium (Garuga), St. Mary’s Stadium and Nakivubo Stadium.
Proposed new stadiums – Akii Bua Stadium and Hoima.
Airports – Entebbe International Airport, Kabalega Airport, Hoima.
