As the final whistle echoed through Rabat to close another memorable Africa Cup of Nations, a defining chapter for African football quietly began under the same Moroccan night sky.
At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) formally handed over the AFCON hosting flag to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, sealing East Africa’s place as the home of the 2027 tournament, Pamoja AFCON 2027.
The symbolic ceremony, led by CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe, marked more than the end of Morocco’s hosting duties.
It confirmed a historic shift of the continent’s biggest football spectacle to East Africa and ushered in a first since AFCON’s inception in 1957: a tournament jointly hosted by three nations.
“Over to you, East Africa. We must not let Africa down,” Motsepe declared, expressing CAF’s trust in the region and calling on the hosts to deliver a competition that reflects Africa’s growing ambition, unity and global stature.
For the three nations, the moment blended celebration with responsibility. Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed described the occasion as a milestone for the region.
“This is a proud night for East Africa as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania officially receive the mandate to host AFCON 2027,” he said. “The region is ready, and Kenya is committed to playing its role in staging a tournament that leaves a lasting legacy for African football.”
Kenyan officials highlighted ongoing upgrades to key infrastructure, noting that recent experience from hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN) provided valuable lessons.
According to Mohammed, that tournament demonstrated East Africa’s growing capacity to organise major continental events, with AFCON 2027 expected to set an even higher standard.
Uganda was represented at the handover by State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang and FUFA president Eng. Moses Magogo, who joined counterparts from Kenya and Tanzania.
Also present were members of the AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committees, underlining that preparations are already in motion across the region.
The handover came amid recent debate about East Africa’s readiness. Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye had raised concerns over infrastructure and transport, comments that drew strong reactions within the region and prompted CAF to publicly restate its confidence in the joint hosts.
That confidence is now translating into tangible progress. Across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, construction and refurbishment of stadiums, training facilities, accommodation and transport networks are accelerating, signalling a collective determination to meet CAF’s expectations.
