CAF inspects facilities for 2027 AFCON hosts

CAF AFCON 2027 inspection begins across Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya to assess stadiums, safety and infrastructure for PAMOJA tournament

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has commenced a CAF AFCON 2027 inspection across Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya as preparations intensify for the tripartite hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for 2027.

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CAF confirmed on Wednesday that a team of technical experts had been deployed to assess facilities in the three East African nations, with the inspection visits running until Tuesday, February 17.

Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya secured the hosting rights for the tournament, branded PAMOJA 2027, ahead of a joint bid by Nigeria and the Benin Republic. The edition will also mark the end of CAF’s biennial schedule for the competition.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe had earlier announced during the last tournament in Morocco that the next Africa Cup of Nations after 2027 would be held in 2028, after which the competition would adopt a four-year cycle.

According to CAF, the inspection will assess pitch quality, safety and security standards, and infrastructure readiness at match venues and training sites earmarked for the tournament.

CAF said the inspections form part of a broader drive to raise operational and infrastructure standards across African football and to enhance the global standing of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.

In Tanzania, the CAF delegation began its work in Dar es Salaam before proceeding to Arusha and Zanzibar.

Facilities scheduled for inspection include the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Samia Suluhu Stadium, Amaan Stadium and Fumba Stadium, alongside several training grounds.

The mission will extend to Kenya, where Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi are listed for assessment, in addition to training venues such as the Ulinzi Sports Complex and the Kenya Academy of Sports.

In Uganda, the inspection programme covers Entebbe and Kampala, with visits planned to the Mandela National Stadium and designated training sites, as well as Hoima City Stadium in Hoima.

CAF added that Patrice Motsepe is expected to visit Tanzania on Friday as part of the oversight engagements linked to the tournament preparations.

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The governing body said it would continue to work closely with the three host governments and their local organising committees to ensure that preparations advance in line with CAF’s delivery standards.

Quadri Olaitan