CAF President Patrice Motsepe has strongly defended the decision to award the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to East Africa, countering criticism that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania may not be ready to host the continent’s premier football tournament.
His remarks came in response to Senegalese journalist Mamadou Gaye, who questioned the region’s infrastructure and travel logistics.
Gaye, a well-known African football analyst, warned that staging the tournament across three countries could “downgrade” the standard of African football.
He cited concerns that limited road networks could force fans and teams into journeys lasting up to two days between venues, potentially disrupting the tournament and diminishing its prestige compared to Morocco’s 2025 edition.
Motsepe dismissed these concerns, stressing CAF’s mission to develop football across the entire continent.
“I have a duty to develop football all over Africa – I can’t have football only in those countries with the best infrastructure,” he said. “But I am confident that the AFCON in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will be enormously successful. We are not going to take the competition away from these countries.”
Addressing the travel concerns, Motsepe highlighted the region’s air connectivity, noting that Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, and Air Tanzania operate daily flights across East Africa.
Ugandan sports journalist Clive Kyazze reinforced this point on social media, posting: “Someone tell Mamadou Gaye that all three countries have national airlines that fly around the region every day.”
The debate over East Africa’s readiness reflects broader discussions about equity in hosting African football’s marquee events.
The Pamoja Bid, the joint effort by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, was awarded AFCON 2027 in September 2023, marking the first time the region will host the tournament since Ethiopia in 1976.
Preparations are underway, including upgrades to Kenya’s Kasarani and Talanta Sports City, Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium, and Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The postponed 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), also hosted by the trio, will serve as a key test for logistics and facilities.
How the Africa Nations League will work as explained by CAF President Patrice Motsepe
Still with the objective of developing football in different African countries #CKSports #AFCONWithClive pic.twitter.com/P9Vnw0rORX
— #AFCONWithClive | 🇺🇬🎙️ (@CliveKyazze) January 17, 2026
Motsepe also announced a significant change for AFCON scheduling.
From 2027 onwards, the tournament will switch from a biennial to a four-year cycle, aligning with global competitions such as the UEFA European Championship and Copa America.
“And we will do the heavy lifting,” Motsepe added, promising CAF support to ensure the hosts meet international standards.
Tensions were evident at the press conference, with Motsepe sharply rebuffing a journalist who accused CAF of “running Africa for Europeans,” replying: “Keep quiet. You’re wrong. Your facts are incorrect. You’re absolutely wrong. It’s nonsense. It’s rubbish.”
With excitement building in East Africa, including Uganda’s renovated Namboole Stadium, CAF’s support signals confidence in the region’s ability to deliver a successful and unifying AFCON 2027.
Kenyan President William Ruto has also pledged his country’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades ahead of the tournament.
