CAF President Motsepe Breaks Silence On AFCON 2027 As Kenya Races Against Time

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has ruled out any possibility of postponing the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, despite concerns over the pace of preparations in co-host Kenya.

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are scheduled to host the continental tournament, which will return to East Africa for the first time in 51 years. The opening match is scheduled for June 19, 2027, while the final is expected to take place on July 17.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Motsepe has urged the host countries, particularly Kenya, to accelerate preparations as CAF continues to monitor the readiness of stadiums and other facilities. The CAF president made the comments after inspecting several facilities in Kenya.

Motsepe acknowledged that significant progress had been made but noted that some venues still require improvements before they can meet CAF’s required standards. He stressed the importance of having the stadiums ready for testing from January next year so that any remaining issues can be identified and addressed ahead of the tournament.

CAF is also assessing infrastructure beyond the stadiums, including hotels, roads, training pitches, security arrangements and other facilities needed to host a tournament of the continent’s scale.

Kasarani Stadium remains one of the major areas requiring attention, with work still needed on its playing surface, broadcast cabling, floodlights, hospitality facilities and an associated training ground. Motsepe also noted that certain stadium arrangements would need to be reviewed to meet security requirements for VIPs and heads of state.

Despite the outstanding work, Motsepe was emphatic that CAF has no intention of changing the tournament schedule.

“There isn’t the slightest consideration of a postponement,” Motsepe said, stressing that the level of commitment from the host nations should make a delay unnecessary. He further stated that there was “no plan B” and “no plan C” regarding the tournament.

Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has assured CAF and the Kenyan public that the remaining preparations will be accelerated and completed on schedule. He said the country aims to conclude the outstanding work by December, allowing test matches to be staged at the facilities before CAF’s final assessment.

Motsepe is expected to return to the region in January for another inspection as preparations enter a crucial phase.

Kenya is also viewing AFCON 2027 as part of a broader sporting and economic opportunity. Mvurya linked the country’s preparations for the tournament to Kenya’s successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, describing the AFCON project as an important part of the country’s sporting legacy.

He also highlighted the potential benefits of the tournament for tourism and wider economic activity, as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda work toward delivering the continental football championship on schedule.