Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, the Confederation of African Football announced on Wednesday September 27. The trio, however, had serious competitors, such as Egypt which has already organized CAN 2019, or Nigeria and Benin. This is a first for the three East African countries.
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With our correspondent in Nairobi, Gaëlle Laleix
The three countries now have their work cut out for them to be up to par in four years. For the moment, only the Benjamin-Mkapa national stadium in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, currently under renovation, has obtained CAF certification. The country plans to improve other structures such as the Chamazi stadium or the CCM Kirumba stadium in Mwanza.
Uganda highlighted the Namboole stadium in Kampala in the tender, without saying more about other possible options.
Kenya will have to invest. The two main infrastructures, the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarini and the Nyayo stadium in Nairobi, are not yet up to CAF criteria.
On X, the Kenyan Sports Minister welcomed CAF’s decision, congratulating the regional effort. For Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa, now is the time to move on from the dream. to reality “.
Kenyan amateur football hopes for opportunities
It has been more than 50 years since the CAN was played in East Africa. The last one dates back to 1976, in Ethiopia. “ The 2027 edition will be beautiful », Promised Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football. Kenyan football fans are not mistaken: it is with music that the Bombers club, in the Lavington district, starts its training. And for good reason, today is a party. Didi, 11 years old, is sure of it: in 2027, it will be at home that the Kenyan team will win the CAN.
“ Kenya has a strong team that I believe in. I love the players and I love my country. My favorite player is Michael Olunga, he has a powerful shot. One day, at Niyayo Stadium, I saw a great match against South Sudan. »
Despite its thousands of licensees and its even more numerous fans, professional football is struggling to break through in Kenya. Coach Mike hopes that the CAN will change the situation.
“ It’s still a unique opportunity because it gives these kids a platform to play and enjoy football. We need it, especially East African countries. In Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, it is the European championships that we follow. »
Kenyan football professionals regret that the authorities are not putting more resources into supporting the national championship. “ We are not doing very well in football, and so hosting this competition will be a good thing. This can make a difference: there is a lot of talent here, but we don’t give them any opportunities. They give money to the wrong people. But if the corruption stopped, then it might work », Hopes Rosa Diambo, president of the Bombers.
The Bombers train players until they turn 19. Afterwards, says Rosa Diambo, they have nowhere to go.