Support and criticism for east African co-hosts of 2027 AFCON
The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled for the middle of 2027, yet positive remarks alongside concerns have already emerged regarding the co-hosting nations Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Morocco delivered an impressive hosting of the most recent edition of this leading African sports competition, which concluded this month with their team falling 1-0 to Senegal in the final.
Although Morocco could not end a 50-year wait for their sole AFCON victory, they received broad acclaim for organising the 24-team tournament.
"This edition stands as the most triumphant in the tournament's history, with football of world-class calibre," stated Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football.
"The stadiums and infrastructure have also been of exceptional quality," the South African entrepreneur added, as he approaches his 64th birthday on Wednesday.
Sceptics, such as the esteemed Ivorian reporter Mamadou Gaye, question if the trio of east African nations can reach the standards established by Morocco.
"Morocco has raised expectations significantly with superior infrastructure, elite stadiums, and excellent highways spanning the nation," Gaye remarked to Kenyan outlets.
"No such highway connects Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Such facilities must be constructed.
"Having travelled across Kenya by car, I have observed the road conditions and severe traffic congestion that could cause missing a game."
In response to Gaye's query in Morocco about the 2027 co-hosts' preparedness, Motsepe expressed assurance.
"My role involves advancing football throughout Africa, not limiting it to nations with superior infrastructure," the CAF leader explained.
"I am certain the AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will prove highly successful. The event will remain with these countries."
- 'Kenya absolutely beautiful' -
Kenya's head coach Benni McCarthy, originally from South Africa, shared similar positivity, assuring journalists that "Kenya is utterly stunning and fully equipped to manage a significant tournament".
Last year, the three east African nations organised the African Nations Championship (CHAN), limited to players from their home countries.
This proved to be the concluding CHAN tournament, postponed from February to August owing to preparation setbacks.
Issues in the 2025 CHAN encompassed ticket handling, managing crowds, and fans violating boundary security measures.
At the AFCON in Morocco, Motsepe revealed that CHAN would cease after eight outings due to its massive financial drain.
Ghana and Nigeria jointly hosted the 2000 AFCON, while Equatorial Guinea and Gabon followed suit in 2012, yet the 2027 event marks the debut for three shared hosts.
The 2027 competition will additionally feature all 54 CAF affiliates for the first time, including Eritrea, a longstanding non-participant.
"We can verify our registration for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers," Paulos Andemariam, president of Eritrea's football body, informed media in Morocco this month.
Eritrea's previous involvement was 19 years back, where they beat Kenya on two occasions but placed second in their group, trailing only qualifiers Angola. They face Eswatini in the March preliminary stage for 2027.
Though Eritrean authorities have avoided discussing later absences, speculation points to players claiming asylum post-travel to other African states.
Individuals reluctant to return to the one-party regime under President Isaias Afwerki, in power since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, frequently mention oppression and extended military obligations.