CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe says no decision has yet been made on which of the three host nations will stage the opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will jointly host the tournament, with all three countries having submitted proposals to host the opening fixture as the opening match is slated for June 19 to July 17 2027
Motsepe said CAF is still considering the proposals and expects to make a decision soon.
“The host country for the opening match has not yet been decided,” Motsepe said.
“All three host countries have submitted interesting proposals. We are still discussing and a decision will be made soon.”
The CAF president was speaking in Dar es Salaam as preparations continue for the first AFCON to be jointly staged by the three East African nations.
Motsepe also expressed confidence in Tanzania’s ability to host major matches, pointing to the country’s recent experience with continental football events.
He revealed that he personally pushed for Tanzania to host the opening match of the African Football League, where Simba faced Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Tanzania also hosted the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), an experience Motsepe said demonstrated the country’s organisational capacity.
“My confidence is based on realism,” he said.
CAF has deployed experts across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda to support preparations, with assessments focusing on stadiums, training facilities, pitches and other tournament infrastructure.
The three countries will need significant investment in areas including stadiums, accommodation, transport, training grounds and playing surfaces ahead of the tournament.
Motsepe has repeatedly stressed the need for close cooperation between CAF, the three governments and the local football authorities to ensure the tournament is successfully delivered.
While Tanzania has hosted several major football events in recent years, Kenya and Uganda are also continuing work on their respective facilities as part of the joint hosting arrangement.
The decision on the opening match will be another key milestone in the preparations, with all three nations hoping to host the tournament’s first fixture.
For now, CAF is keeping its options open as it assesses the proposals, with a final decision expected in the coming period.
