Sports CS Ababu Namwamba is optimistic that the ‘Pamoja’ Bid rights to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a major boost to East Africa.
Today, Caf awarded Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to host the 24 team tournament for the African football governing body announced that the 2027 finals would be played in East Africa and Morocco would replace Guinea who were stripped of the rights to host the 2025 finals.
The Pamoja bid was a joint effort by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda and it saw off bids from Botswana, Egypt, and Senegal to host the most prestigious tournament in the continent
Speaking after the announcement of the host nations, Ababu said the move was a shot in the arm for integration in the region.
“Hosting this tournament together for me is such a big shot in the arm for integration. But it is also an opportunity to send a message we can do things together successfully,” the sports CS said.
In its bid, Kenya presented the Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, and Kipchoge Keino as the major facilities that will host the games.
Namwamba had earlier handed over the three facilities to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to renovate the stadiums in readiness for the continental matches.