Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania Begin Preparations for Pamoja AFCON 2027
East Africa’s joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been officially sealed with a symbolic handover of the tournament flag from CAF President Patrice Motsepe to the host nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This landmark event, held on Sunday night, marks the formal start of preparations for the first-ever AFCON hosted by three East African countries. Football leaders have hailed the occasion as a historic moment for the region and the continent.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating, “Tonight marks a proud moment for our region as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania officially receive the flag to host AFCON 2027.” Mohammed emphasized that the responsibility to host the tournament comes with significant expectations, adding that East Africa is ready to showcase its growing football infrastructure and passion.
“This is a major responsibility, but it’s one we are prepared for,” Hussein said. “Kenya is looking forward to playing its part in delivering a tournament that will leave a lasting mark on African football.”
The region’s recent successful hosting of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been cited as evidence of its capacity to stage major continental tournaments. Hussein noted that the success of the 2020 CHAN, which set new standards for African football events, has given East Africa the confidence to deliver even more for AFCON 2027. “We are determined to raise the bar even higher in 2027,” he added.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe, in his remarks during the flag handover, urged the three host nations to deliver a tournament that represents Africa’s ambition, unity, and growing football stature on the global stage. “Over to you, East Africa — we must not let Africa down,” Motsepe said, underscoring the significance of the event for the continent’s football future.
The Pamoja AFCON 2027 tournament is expected to bring numerous benefits to the region, including fostering stronger cooperation between the three countries, accelerating infrastructure development, and putting a global spotlight on East Africa’s football potential. As the host nations embark on the journey to 2027, the event promises to elevate East Africa’s position within global football.
However, the joint bid has sparked controversy. Over the weekend, Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye caused an uproar by questioning East Africa’s readiness to host AFCON 2027. In a pre-AFCON 2025 press conference, Gaye expressed concerns about the region’s infrastructure, particularly road networks, and suggested the tournament could be moved elsewhere. His comments prompted a strong defense from CAF, reaffirming the commitment of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to successfully host the tournament.
Despite the criticisms, the momentum for Pamoja AFCON 2027 continues to build, with the three countries now focused on the critical task ahead of them: delivering a world-class AFCON that will leave a lasting legacy for African football.
