AFCON 2027: Kenya Make Humble Plea to Uganda and Tanzania as Preparations Gather Pace

Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed has stressed the need for close cooperation between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as the three nations continue preparations to stage a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

A senior Confederation of African Football delegation is currently in Kampala, Uganda, holding discussions with key stakeholders ahead of a scheduled inspection in August.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Mohammed highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts across the host countries.

He also pointed out that steady progress has been made in Kenya and that the broader focus remains on delivering a seamless tournament experience for international visitors while showcasing the region’s culture and hospitality.

The FKF president explained that the competition has grown beyond its traditional continental scope and is now expected to attract global attention, bringing in visitors from different parts of the world.

As such, he stressed that East Africa must ensure it presents not only a well-organised sporting event but also a strong reflection of its culture, hospitality, and identity.

Mohammed further highlighted the need for close cooperation between all participating countries, urging that the success of the tournament will depend on effective teamwork and seamless collaboration across borders.

He expressed confidence that the host nations are aligned in their objectives and that their respective governments have already demonstrated strong political will and commitment to supporting the event in every necessary way.

“We all must speak from the same script and pull together to deliver this event. It is not just a continental event anymore; it is a global event, and we shall be welcoming guests from all over, who must experience a successful event, but also our hospitality and our culture,” Hussein Mohammed said.

“We need to work as a team and put forward the best collaboration. I know all the nations are ready, and our governments have shown commitment, and they are willing to do anything and everything.”

Mohammed noted that infrastructure development across the three host nations is progressing steadily as preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations continue.

He highlighted that in Kenya, the tournament will be staged at two key venues, Kasarani Stadium and the upcoming Talanta Stadium, both of which are expected to also host a series of test matches ahead of the competition.

Mohammed expressed confidence that all works will be completed within the required timelines, adding that similar progress is being recorded in Uganda and Tanzania, where preparations are also advancing in line with the shared hosting plan.

“The infrastructure development across the nations is progressing nicely. In Kenya, we have two venues that will be utilised for the competition in 2027, Kasarani and Talanta Stadium. We expect to have a few test matches. We will be on time; the same thing is happening in Uganda and Tanzania,” he said.

On his part, Evans Achoki, the Secretary Administrative in the State Department of Sports of Kenya, said that preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations have begun on a strong footing, noting that lessons learned from CHAN 2024 are being used to improve planning and execution ahead of the tournament.

He explained that the government is closely involved in ensuring all required standards are met, emphasising that ongoing consultations with stakeholders are key to aligning on critical operational details.

“So far, we have started very well, and we have been taken through the lessons at CHAN 2024 that we need to improve on ahead of AFCON 2027. As the ministry and state department of sports, we are here to ensure that all is well and the standards for AFCON 2027 are met. This meeting is very important, and it is through this that we shall agree on all the important details,” Achoki.