{"id":9563,"date":"2026-09-18T11:27:01","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T08:27:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/?p=9563"},"modified":"2026-09-18T11:27:02","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T08:27:02","slug":"motsepe-backs-east-africa-deliver-afcon-2027-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/motsepe-backs-east-africa-deliver-afcon-2027-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Motsepe Backs East Africa to Deliver AFCON 2027\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>CAF president Patrice Motsepe has backed Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to deliver AFCON 2027 but urged the three co-hosts to accelerate preparations.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has backed Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to stage a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, while warning the three co-hosts that preparations must accelerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Motsepe delivered the message during an inspection visit to Tanzania as CAF continued assessing stadiums, training facilities and operational plans for the continental tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CAF president acknowledged that organising Africa\u2019s biggest football competition across three countries creates challenges. However, he insisted that the obstacles can be overcome through cooperation, firm deadlines and confidence in East Africa\u2019s ability to deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere will always be challenges and areas that require improvement,\u201d Motsepe said, before urging the region to work together and meet the agreed deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His message combined reassurance with urgency. CAF remains committed to taking the tournament to East Africa, but the hosts have approximately nine months to complete the remaining infrastructure and operational work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CAF Inspection Focuses on Remaining Work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Motsepe visited the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and held discussions with Tanzanian government officials about the country\u2019s preparations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cafonline.com\/inside-caf\/news\/caf-president-dr-patrice-motsepe-to-visit-tanzania-and-kenya-on-thursday-and-friday-as-part-of-totalenergies-caf-afcon-2027-preparations\/\">CAF\u2019s<\/a> official announcement, the inspection was intended to evaluate progress, identify areas requiring more attention and ensure preparations comply with CAF\u2019s infrastructure, competition and operational requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Motsepe praised Tanzania\u2019s work but stressed that the pace must increase as the tournament approaches. His programme also included a visit to Kenya for meetings with government representatives and inspections of proposed competition facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uganda remains a central part of the PAMOJA project and will also have to demonstrate that its stadiums, training grounds and supporting infrastructure can meet the required standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CAF inspections extend beyond the condition of the playing surface. The organisers must also assess stadium access, security, accommodation, medical services, transport, broadcasting facilities, training sites and crowd management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>AFCON 2027 Key Facts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Detail<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Confirmed information<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Co-hosts<\/td><td>Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Opening match<\/td><td>19 June 2027<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Final<\/td><td>17 July 2027<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tournament period<\/td><td>29 calendar days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Expected finalists<\/td><td>24 teams<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Qualifying participants<\/td><td>48 teams<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Qualifying groups<\/td><td>12 groups of four<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Qualification route<\/td><td>Top two teams from each group<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Historical importance<\/td><td>First AFCON hosted by three countries<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Previous East African AFCON<\/td><td>Ethiopia 1976<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CAF confirmed the tournament <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cafonline.com\/afcon2025\/news\/road-to-east-africa-caf-announces-kick-off-final-and-qualifiers-dates-for-the-totalenergies-caf-africa-cup-of-nations-pamoja-2027\/\">dates<\/a> after approval by the FIFA Council. The opening fixture is scheduled for Saturday, 19 June 2027, with the final set for Saturday, 17 July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The continental body has not yet announced which country will stage the opening match or the final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AFCON PAMOJA 2027 will be the first edition of the competition organised by three countries. It will also bring the tournament back to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Uganda\u2019s Stadium Preparations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, remains central to Uganda\u2019s hosting plans. The venue has already staged major international matches following its renovation, but additional tournament-specific requirements may still need to be completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hoima City Stadium is another important part of Uganda\u2019s preparations. The facility has already hosted domestic and continental football, giving organisers an opportunity to test its operations before AFCON.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira is also included in Uganda\u2019s wider infrastructure programme. Beyond the main match venues, the country requires suitable training grounds, team hotels, medical facilities and reliable transport arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/kawowo.com\/2026\/09\/18\/motsepe-backs-east-africa-to-deliver-the-2027-africa-cup-of-nations\/\">Kawowo Sports<\/a> report identifies Namboole, Hoima City Stadium and Akii-Bua Stadium among the facilities central to Uganda\u2019s plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uganda is also upgrading supporting venues such as FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, which can contribute to the network of training facilities required during the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Completing construction is only one part of the task. Facilities must be tested early enough for organisers to correct problems involving access, lighting, security, drainage, ticketing, media operations and spectator movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"604\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-1024x604.png\" alt=\"Illuminated exterior of Hoima City Stadium in western Uganda under a cloudy evening sky.\" class=\"wp-image-9560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-1024x604.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-300x177.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-768x453.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-150x89.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-696x411.png 696w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-1068x630.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An exterior view of Hoima City Stadium, one of Uganda\u2019s key venues in the preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Credit: John Batanudde<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Three Countries Must Operate as One Host<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PAMOJA arrangement requires Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to work as one tournament host rather than three separate organisers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CAF has established an oversight structure involving the governments and football federations of the three countries. Its responsibilities cover stadium development, transport, security, immigration, medical services and other tournament operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cross-border travel will be particularly important. Teams, supporters, officials and media representatives may need to move between the three countries during the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coordinated visa rules, efficient airports and dependable ground transport could therefore influence the experience of visitors as much as the football facilities themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Communication between the three local organising structures will also be essential. Differences in ticketing systems, security procedures or accreditation could create unnecessary complications unless common standards are adopted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Motsepe\u2019s insistence on cooperation reflects the scale of that challenge. The success of one country will be linked to the readiness of the other two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What AFCON 2027 Means for Uganda<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hosting AFCON offers Uganda an opportunity extending beyond the tournament\u2019s 29 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improved stadiums and training facilities can benefit the Uganda Cranes, domestic clubs, academies and future international competitions. Investments in roads, transport and visitor services may also create longer-term economic value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Government has allocated UGX 37.85 billion to promote \u201cDestination Uganda\u201d around AFCON 2027, according to the Ministry of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.education.go.ug\/11511-2\/\">Education and Sports<\/a>. The campaign is intended to use the tournament to showcase Uganda\u2019s tourism attractions and strengthen its international profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local businesses may benefit from demand for accommodation, transport, food, entertainment, merchandise and other services. However, those opportunities will depend on clear procurement processes and timely communication from the organising committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ugandan supporters will also have a rare opportunity to watch Africa\u2019s leading national teams at home. The event can deepen interest in domestic football if its legacy includes accessible facilities, improved administration and stronger development programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"604\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-1024x604.png\" alt=\"Illuminated exterior of Hoima City Stadium in western Uganda under a cloudy evening sky.\" class=\"wp-image-9560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-1024x604.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-300x177.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-768x453.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-150x89.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-696x411.png 696w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786-1068x630.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-18_110744786.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An exterior view of Hoima City Stadium, one of Uganda\u2019s key venues in the preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Credit: John Batanudde<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Motsepe\u2019s Confidence Comes with a Deadline<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Motsepe\u2019s endorsement should not be interpreted as permission for the hosts to relax. His visit was an assessment of progress and a reminder that time is becoming limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CAF expects every competition venue and operational system to meet the required standard before visiting teams arrive. Delays during the final months could make testing difficult and increase pressure on contractors and organisers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania must therefore convert political commitments and construction activity into completed, certified and tested facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular public updates would also help supporters understand what has been completed, what remains outstanding and when each project is expected to be ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Follow African Football with Bangbet Uganda<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Football supporters aged 25 and above can visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug-m\/me\">Bangbet Uganda<\/a> to follow AFCON, Uganda Cranes and international <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug-m\/sports\/Football\">football<\/a> fixtures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before participating, read the Bangbet Uganda&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/guide-to-responsible-gambling-at-bangbet-uganda-2\/\">responsible-gambling guide<\/a>. For account, payment, or transaction assistance, use the official customer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/how-to-reach-bangbet-uganda-support-and-resolve-complaints\/\">support and complaints guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gambling involves financial risk. Set limits, treat it as entertainment, avoid chasing losses, and stop if it becomes difficult to control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>End Note<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Motsepe\u2019s support is an important vote of confidence in East Africa, but his warning is equally significant. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have the chance to deliver a historic tournament and demonstrate that the region can organise major international sporting events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The foundations are in place, and work is continuing across the three countries. The decisive stage is now approaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Uganda, success will require more than completing stadiums. Transport, security, training grounds, accommodation, medical services and visitor experience must all function as parts of one tournament system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AFCON PAMOJA 2027 can leave a lasting sporting and economic legacy, but only if the remaining work is completed carefully and on time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CAF president Patrice Motsepe has backed Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to deliver AFCON 2027 but urged the three co-hosts to accelerate preparations. Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has backed Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to stage a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, while warning the three co-hosts that preparations must accelerate. Motsepe delivered [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":9559,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[77,221,135,122,205,108,105,250,342,340,341,83],"class_list":["post-9563","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football-news","tag-afcon","tag-afcon-2027","tag-bangbet","tag-bangbet-uganda","tag-caf","tag-football","tag-football-news","tag-hoima-stadium","tag-namboole-stadium","tag-pamoja","tag-pamoja-2027","tag-sports-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9563","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9563"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9563\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9564,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9563\/revisions\/9564"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9563"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9563"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9563"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}