Ivorian Journalist Clarifies Remarks on East Africa's Readiness for 2027 AFCON

Ivorian sports journalist Mamadou Gaye has clarified his recent comments questioning infrastructure in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania ahead of their joint hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, stating he intended to prompt reflection rather than cause offence. Gaye emphasised that his observations drew from past examples where hosts faced consequences for inadequate preparation. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed that the tournament will proceed in the three East African countries.

Mamadou Gaye spoke after his question at a press conference in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of the 2025 AFCON final drew attention. He told reporters that East Africa lacks sufficient connecting roads, with travel between countries potentially taking two days by car, according to colleagues from the region. Gaye expressed concern that standards set by Morocco's recent hosting might not be matched, citing historical cases like Guinea's relocation and Kenya's 1996 withdrawal.

The veteran journalist later explained his intention was to encourage improvement rather than criticise harshly. He pointed to examples such as Cote d'Ivoire's leadership changes before its own AFCON and repeated CHAN postponements due to infrastructure shortfalls. Gaye maintained that CAF operates without sentiment and that failure to prepare could lead to the event being reassigned, as happened in previous instances.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed the matter directly during the same press conference. He rejected any suggestion of relocating the 2027 tournament, stressing the confederation's role in fostering development across the continent. Motsepe highlighted the successful co-hosting of the 2025 CHAN by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as evidence of capability.

East Africa last hosted AFCON in Ethiopia in 1976. The 2027 edition marks the first time three countries will share duties for the 24-team competition. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania received official confirmation and the hosting flag following the 2025 event in Morocco.