DZWatch Exclusive: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced a change in the schedule for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will now take place in August instead of the originally planned February.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed the decision, citing extensive consultations and a focus on enabling the host nations to adequately prepare for the prestigious continental event. The move to August provides the East African nations with a more extended timeframe to address logistical, infrastructural, and financial requirements.
“This decision has been made after careful consideration of the needs of the host countries,” Motsepe stated. “The new dates will allow them more time to invest in infrastructure, mobilize resources, and ensure that all necessary preparations are in place to deliver a successful tournament.”
CAF believes the August timeframe will facilitate better investment in infrastructure, leading to improved organization and a higher quality of competition on the field. Motsepe also expressed satisfaction with the current level of play in the ongoing AFCON edition, praising the performance of the participating teams and the officiating of the referees.
Furthermore, the CAF President highlighted the presence of global football icons such as Kylian Mbappé, Zinedine Zidane, and Jules Koundé at the current tournament, emphasizing the growing global recognition of African football and its positive impact on aspiring talents across the continent.
CAF remains committed to the continuous development of the Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to solidify its position as one of the world’s premier football tournaments, further boosting its continental and international appeal.
