The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cautioned Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania that their hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are at risk due to delays in preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
With just two months until CHAN 2024, Kenya’s key venues, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, remain unprepared, and only the Ulinzi Complex has been approved as a training facility.
CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba expressed disappointment during inspections, emphasizing that CHAN 2024 serves as a test for the East African nations ahead of AFCON 2027.
“If this region fails to deliver CHAN, it will be hard to trust it with AFCON 2027,” he stated, as reported by Mozzart Sport.
Despite the concerns, Mosengo-Omba noted progress, such as improved seating at Kasarani and better pitch conditions at some venues, expressing cautious optimism if momentum continues.
Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya is overseeing efforts to meet deadlines, with facilities due to be handed over to CAF by July for the CHAN tournament starting August 2. Training venues include Ulinzi Complex, Kasarani Annex, Kirigiti Stadium, and Kenya Police Sacco Grounds.
For AFCON 2027, Kenya aims to complete the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium in Nairobi by April 2026 to bolster its hosting capabilities.
Read more stories on SportsBiz Kenya
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X(Twitter), YouTube and our WhatsApp Channel.
