Motsepe Acknowledges Delays in 2027 Afcon Preparations Across East Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 18, 2026 – Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has acknowledged that preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are behind schedule.

The South African said some aspects of the preparations have progressed more slowly than expected but expressed confidence that the outstanding work would be completed before the tournament.

Motsepe said organizers would work together to identify and address areas where progress has slowed. He added that a detailed report and regular updates had strengthened his confidence, while stressing the need to accelerate work in certain areas.

Despite the delays, Motsepe insisted that East Africa remains on course to host the 2027 Afcon, marking the region’s first time staging the continent’s premier national-team competition.

He said CAF had no alternative hosting plan and remained committed to staging the tournament in the three countries. He pledged to deliver the same message during visits to Kenya and Uganda after assessing preparations in Tanzania.

Motsepe also addressed discussions over the venue for the opening match, noting that both Tanzania and Kenya have expressed interest in hosting it.

He said he would return in January for a final assessment and later visit Tanzania as the tournament begins. However, he clarified that this did not guarantee that the opening match would be played there.

Motsepe is currently in Kenya assessing preparations and holding high-level meetings with officials, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed.

Kenya is constructing the new 60,000-seat Talanta Sports Stadium, a project that was expected to be completed by now.

The facility is set to host Afcon matches alongside Kasarani Stadium.

Source link