2027 AFCON: Kenya promises to deliver epic sporting event

After the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced kick-off and final dates for the historic 2027 PAMOJA Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Kenyan government has promised they will deliver a world-class continental showpiece.

According to CAF, the opening match will be played on Saturday, 19 June and the Final on Saturday, 17 July.

Talanta Sports City Stadium seats. pic.twitter.com/n3c1yCRDGe

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The dates were approved by the FIFA Council recently held in Vancouver, Canada. CAF will announce the country that will host the opening match and the final in due course.

Kenya will redefine AFCON hosting landscape

“With 410 days to go, Kenya is ready to confirm her solid credentials as a leading host for staging world-class continental showpiece; the AFCON 2027,” said Kenya’s Sport PS Elijah Mwangi, after chairing the inaugural meeting for the National Steering Committee for Pamoja AFCON 2027.

“The meeting, which brought together senior officials from diverse Ministries, State Agencies and Departments (MDAs) whose input is critical in delivering a sporting masterpiece, offered an apt platform for appraisal on Kenya’s state of preparedness to host this global tournament.

“It entailed the detailed presentation on Kenya’s preparedness including the set timeframes for specific milestones, CAF requirements on diverse components of the tournament, the status of inter-agency coordination and modalities of enhancing cross-border mobility and movement among other areas.”

Mwangi added: “While we have complied with a host of CAF requirements and are well on course on to meet other essential deadlines, I insisted to the committee on the imperative to coordinate more effectively in support of the delivery of a memorable tournament.

“Kenya proved her capacity to host competitive continental tournament with CHAN2024. With AFCON 2027, we will redefine the tournament hosting landscape.

“Building on the strengths and other crucial lessons CHAN, the government is fully confident that the foundation established and supported by the team’s dedication and shared passion will deliver an epic sporting event.”

The PAMOJA 2027 is the first AFCON to be hosted by three countries, presenting a unique opportunity for CAF and African football to reach over 400 million people in East Africa region.

With the Preliminary round completed, the journey to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will continue with the draw for the qualifiers of the AFCON PAMOJA 2027, that will take place on May 19.