East Africa to host 2027 AFCON

FOOTBALL East Africa to host 2027 AFCON

Shafic Kiyaga • 12:39 - 27.09.2023

The Pamoja Bid, representing Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, emerged victorious, securing the prestigious honour of hosting the 2027 AFCON.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded the East African joint bid, known as the "Pamoja Bid," the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This announcement came shortly after CAF's executive committee meeting in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, where the winners were revealed.

The Pamoja Bid, representing Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, emerged victorious, securing the prestigious honour of hosting the 2027 AFCON.

This remarkable achievement comes as Morocco clinched the rights to host the 2025 edition of the tournament.

Initially, the competition was fierce, with six nations vying for the privilege to host AFCON 2027. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania had formed a powerful consortium, joined by Algeria, Egypt, and Botswana.

Namibia initially planned to partner with Botswana but later withdrew from the race, leaving Botswana as the sole representative from southern Africa.

Although Zambia and Burkina Faso had expressed interest, they did not formally submit their bid books, thus not participating in the final selection process.

In an unexpected turn of events, Algeria, a former strong contender, withdrew from the race just one day before the announcement. Y

The success of the Pamoja Bid is attributed to robust investments and unwavering political support from all three participating East African nations.

Uganda, under the leadership of its football president, Moses Magogo, played a pivotal role in advocating for the bid.

The East African bid, known as 'Pamoja,' was submitted to CAF on the deadline day and received by CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba in Cairo, Egypt.

Notably, Kenya presented several facilities in its bid, including the 60,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), the 30,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

The training grounds featured in the bid included MISC Kasarani Annex, Police Sacco Stadium, Kenya Utalii College Sport Club, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Jamhuri Sports Complex.

Uganda proposed the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as a potential venue, also promising to build two more venues for the tournament.

Uganda is expected to construct the Akii Bua stadium in Lira as well as the Buhinga Stadium in Hoima, with proposals for the construction already finalized.

The country has also presented several other venues including Nakivubo Stadium among the support facilities for the tournament.

Tanzania, on the other hand, showcased the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, the only CAF-certified stadium among the three nations.

Additionally, the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, Chamazi Complex (home to Azam FC), and venues in Dodoma, Arusha, and Zanzibar are set to be upgraded to meet the required standards.

These three East African nations have already embarked on preparations, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to ensuring they are well-prepared hosts for the continent's premier football event, the Africa Cup of Nations.

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