CAF President Patrice Motsepe has ruled out replacing Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania as hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Motsepe said CAF would work with the three countries to address outstanding challenges rather than consider alternative hosts for the tournament.
He made the declaration during a press conference in Dar es Salaam while supervising East Africa’s preparations for the continental competition.
“I was told that Tanzania would not be ready to host the AFCON and that I had to start thinking about Plan B and Plan C,” Motsepe said.
“Many of you have seen these negative media reports. I want to emphasise that, from CAF’s perspective, there is no Plan B or Plan C.”
“There will never be a Plan B or Plan C. We are going to work together and correct those areas where we are lagging.”
Although the immediate question concerned Tanzania, Motsepe’s assurance covered the joint Pamoja project involving Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
CAF awarded the 2027 hosting rights to the three East African countries in September 2023 following their successful joint bid.
The tournament will become the first AFCON staged across three countries and East Africa’s first edition a a CECAFA first since Ethiopia hosted in 1976.
Questions have persisted over whether the three hosts can complete the required stadiums, training grounds and supporting infrastructure before the tournament.
Motsepe acknowledged that several areas across the preparations still required improvement, but insisted the challenges remained manageable.
“There are challenges, and we always deal with any undertaking honestly, including identifying areas on our side where there are weaknesses and deficiencies,” Motsepe said.
“We always work towards improving them. The most important thing is to work together, including identifying those areas that need improvement.”
He specifically highlighted stadiums, playing surfaces and facilities required to accommodate dignitaries expected to attend Africa’s biggest football event.
“We are falling behind with infrastructure development, stadiums, pitches and suites for our special guests,” Motsepe said.
“We are expecting many heads of state who will be part of the AFCON next year.”
Despite acknowledging those shortcomings, Motsepe expressed confidence that the three countries would meet CAF’s requirements before the competition begins.
“I am more confident than ever before, and this confidence is based on realism,” he said.
“There are indeed areas that need improvement, and the work is being done. There are areas we need to improve, and we will improve.”
CAF recently completed an eight-day technical inspection of important facilities across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania as preparations entered another critical phase.
In Uganda, the preparations include Mandela National Stadium, Hoima City Stadium and the new Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium under construction in Lira.
Tanzania’s programme includes Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and other facilities being developed for matches and team training.
Kenya is also working on competition venues and supporting facilities as the three governments race to meet CAF’s operational requirements.
Motsepe’s latest visit began in Tanzania, where he inspected Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and held discussions with government officials.
He was also scheduled to travel to Kenya for further government engagements and inspections of facilities earmarked for the tournament.
A planned visit to Uganda was postponed because it would have affected Motsepe’s onward journey to the United States under existing travel restrictions.
However, he promised to contact President Yoweri Museveni and make a special visit to Uganda upon his return.
Motsepe said he expects to return to East Africa in January 2027 for a final assessment of preparations before the competition.
“I am absolutely confident that when I come back in January next year to conduct the final assessment, it will be for the commencement of the tournament,” he said.
The CAF president also emphasised the importance of the competition to football development across East Africa and the continent.
“The main purpose of my visit is to emphasise the deep commitment from CAF and the 54 member associations,” Motsepe said.
“It is also to emphasise my personal deep commitment and the importance of this competition to African football. This is the most important sporting event on the African continent.”
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are scheduled to stage AFCON 2027 from June 19 to July 17.
CAF said the inspections would identify areas requiring attention and ensure preparations remained aligned with infrastructure, operational and competition requirements.