AFCON 2027: Kenya pushing to claim top fixtures over co-hosts

Kenya is laying the groundwork to secure a larger share of matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations than its co-hosts Uganda and Tanzania, signaling ambition to be the tournament’s main stage.

While the official distribution of matches has not yet been finalized, the East African nation is positioning itself to maximize hosting opportunities by upgrading its stadiums and infrastructure to meet CAF’s stringent standards.

Learning from CHAN 2024

The strategy builds on lessons from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), where hosting rights for key matches were closely contested. During that tournament, Tanzania hosted the opening match and a semi-final, Uganda staged another semi-final and the third-place playoff, while Kenya hosted the final.

Group stage matches and quarter-finals were also split among the three nations, but Kenya missed out on several games after certain venues were deemed unfit, with fixtures relocated to Zanzibar.

Nicholas Musonye, chairman of Kenya’s AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee, stressed the need to avoid such setbacks next time. “We want not just two stadiums ready but three that can stage matches during the tournament,” he said. Ensuring multiple venues meet CAF standards is central to Kenya’s push to host the tournament’s high-profile fixtures.

Kasarani, Talanta, and Nyayo: Kenya’s Triple Threat

Kasarani Stadium, already one of Africa’s premier venues, will remain a cornerstone of Kenya’s bid. Musonye noted plans to upgrade the pitch, which had minor issues during the CHAN final, to guarantee world-class playing conditions.

Talanta Stadium is also being fast-tracked, with the goal of presenting a state-of-the-art alternative capable of handling marquee games.

Nyayo Stadium, historically popular among fans for its proximity to Nairobi’s central business district, is next in line for upgrades.

“We are going to work on the venue control room to make sure the security systems are in place and many other small things that CAF has given us to do,” Musonye explained.

Bringing Nyayo up to international standards could allow Kenya to host three venues, strengthening its case for a higher share of key matches.

Maximizing Opportunities for Harambee Stars

Kenya’s preparations extend beyond infrastructure, aiming to create a platform for the Harambee Stars to shine.

With three top-tier venues, the national team could enjoy home advantage in multiple high-stakes games, offering both a competitive edge and a chance to engage fans across Nairobi and beyond.

During CHAN 2024, Kasarani hosted the Harambee Stars, while Nyayo accommodated other Group A matches. Nyayo’s accessibility and seating capacity made it particularly popular with fans, highlighting the importance of fan experience in CAF’s evaluation of host venues.

Ambition Meets Preparation

Kenya’s efforts reflect a broader ambition to be the epicenter of AFCON 2027. By ensuring that Talanta, Kasarani, and Nyayo are fully equipped, the country hopes to claim the tournament’s most sought-after games, from group-stage showpieces to semi-finals and the final.

With Uganda and Tanzania also eager to host their share, the competition is expected to be tight, but Kenya is betting that early, strategic investment in stadiums and facilities will tip the balance in its favor.

As Musonye concluded, “When you add on Talanta, you have two venues that no one can discount that Kenya can do a good competition. And with Nyayo in the mix, our hosting potential is even stronger.”