CAF boss Motsepe confident as AFCON 2027 preparations gain momentum in East Africa

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has expressed optimism about the progress being made in preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying significant strides have already been achieved as planning gathers pace across the host nations.

Speaking at the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, Motsepe highlighted what he described as encouraging coordination and growing readiness among stakeholders involved in staging the continental showpiece.

The summit brought together football administrators, government officials and development partners to assess infrastructure, organisational planning and long-term football development across Africa.

Motsepe’s remarks come at a crucial stage in the build-up to AFCON 2027, which will be jointly hosted by East African nations.

The CAF president stressed the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the tournament meets expected global standards while also leaving a lasting legacy in the region.

Also addressing the gathering, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohamed underscored East Africa’s determination to deliver a distinctive tournament experience.

“East Africa does not intend to compete with Morocco, we’ll deliver a unique AFCON,” he stated, signalling confidence that the region’s hosting model will reflect its own identity rather than mirror previous editions.

The comments appear to acknowledge Morocco’s recent successes in staging major football events, while reinforcing East Africa’s ambition to carve out its own footprint in continental football history.

With just over a year into intensified preparations, attention is now shifting toward infrastructure upgrades, stadium readiness, and logistical coordination across the host nations. CAF is expected to continue monitoring progress closely as AFCON 2027 takes shape.