Will Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda organize next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals?
There may be concern about the trio’s ability to successfully host the 2027 tournament, the biggest sporting event on the continent, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is not looking at any alternatives, officials–who did not want to be named–have told FORBES AFRICA, and are pushing ahead nevertheless, hoping increased inspections and encouragement will speed up the completion of the new infrastructure being built for the tournament, being hosted across the three East African countries from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Senior CAF officials last week completed a thorough inspection, taking eight days across the three countries, with all relevant departments represented from CAF’s competitions, safety and security, transport, marketing, media, television, and logistics divisions.
The visits have left CAF with a much clearer picture of what still needs to be done to prepare for the 24-team tournament less than a year away.
Kenya is yet to complete the new 60,000-capacity Talanta Stadium, but it is getting closer to being finished. Officials say it is 90% ready.
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Interestingly, CAF has yet to designate which venues, across the three hosting countries, will host the key matches. There is much prestige, and competition among the hosting trio, for the right to stage the final, obviously the showpiece fixture of the event.
Nairobi’s new stadium would be an obvious choice, but reportedly, CAF is not making any decisions until they are sure it will be ready. This week saw the laying of the field and stitching of the synthetic turf in with the natural grass to ensure the best possible playing surface.
Dar-es-Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is an alternative with its six-month renovation project, including the installation of new seats and the upgrading of changing rooms, coming to a close.
Uganda’s main Mandela National Stadium outside of Kampala is also undergoing renovation but the new Hoima City Stadium will be used later this month for a Cup of Nations qualifier when Uganda’s Cranes host Libya.
CAF, in a statement, says it will “continue its technical inspections and engagements with the host countries to ensure world-class facilities and infrastructure for next year’s tournament”, subtly keeping the pressure on to ensure the completion of work on time.
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