A high-level CAF delegation has begun a thorough assessment of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as the trio prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The inspection, which runs through February 17, will evaluate stadiums, training facilities, security measures, and operational readiness ahead of the tournament.
This comes after AfricaSoccer.com revealed that CAF is considering postponing the tournament amid concerns of readiness of the host countries.
The tour commenced in Dar es Salaam, where CAF officials reviewed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and surrounding training sites.
From there, the team moved to Arusha’s Samia Suluhu Stadium before heading to Zanzibar to inspect the Amaan and Fumba stadiums.
In Kenya, the delegation is examining Nairobi’s Kasarani, Nyayo, and Talanta Sports Stadiums, along with training complexes including the Ulinzi Sports Complex and Kenya Academy of Sports.
Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium in Kampala and the newly completed Hoima City Stadium are also under scrutiny.
CAF has emphasized that these site visits are part of a rigorous process to ensure AFCON 2027 meets world-class standards for pitch quality, safety, fan access, transport, and media operations. The three countries—collectively branded as the “Pamoja” hosts, Swahili for “together”—are receiving close guidance to help turn ambitious plans into reality.
Later this week, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and the Executive Committee will join the inspections in Tanzania for further evaluations and high-level discussions.
While some reports have questioned whether the hosts can be fully ready on time, CAF maintains confidence in the joint bid, viewing the audits as an opportunity to address any outstanding challenges.
AFCON 2027 will also mark a historic shift in the tournament’s schedule: from 2028, the competition will move from a biennial to a four-year cycle, aligning African football more closely with the global calendar and reducing conflicts with European club seasons.
