Kenya to host AFCON at Namboole stadium

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Kenyan National Team Harambee Stars will host their first round of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.

The confirmation came just days after Uganda’s Football Association CEO, Edgar Watson, announced that Kenya and Zimbabwe would play their home matches for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, starting in September, at the newly refurbished Namboole Stadium in Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

This decision was made because neither Kenya nor Zimbabwe has a CAF-approved stadium.

For many Ugandan football fans, these developments signal a significant step forward, as Uganda has faced challenges in hosting continental and international games over the past five years. Only earlier this year did CAF give the green light to Namboole. However, the broader question remains whether East Africa, as a region, is genuinely ready for the 2027 AFCON.

However, for the most part, these developments continue to doubt East Africa’s readiness for the 2027 AFCON as challenges persist across the region. It is evident that the area currently has only two stadiums, far short of the six stadiums required to host the continental showpiece, which is just two years away.

Concerns have long been raised about the preparedness of the three countries set to host the tournament jointly. A failure by any of the three could jeopardise the deal.

When the three East African countries secured the rights to host AFCON, Tanzania was the only one with a CAF-approved stadium, the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium. Uganda later joined the ranks when its newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium received temporary approval to host continental games.

Although Uganda can now take pride in Namboole bailing out other countries, the real question is whether Namboole alone will suffice by 2027.

However, FUFA President Magogo has consistently stated that CAF bases its decisions not solely on a country’s existing infrastructure but also on its plans to meet the tournament’s requirements before the event and the respective governments’ commitment.

According to CAF, the minimum tournament hosting requirement is six stadiums to accommodate the 24 teams participating.

CAF also stipulated that the two main stadiums must each have a capacity of 40,000 seats, two additional stadiums seating 20,000 each, and two more with a capacity of 15,000, for this particular edition of AFCON, Uganda alone will need at least three stadiums and four training grounds.

Kenya’s Situation

Kenya faces a slightly different task than Uganda, which currently has only Namboole Stadium and will need to construct two additional stadiums. Kenya already has several stadiums that require refurbishment.

When CAF inspectors visited Kenya in 2021, they flagged the country’s two major stadiums—Moi International Stadium in Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium—unfit to host international matches. Since then, Kenya has focused on refurbishing these and other stadiums to prepare for AFCON 2027.

In their bid, Kenya listed nine training facilities, including Police Sacco Stadium, Utalii Grounds, Ulinzi Sports Complex, MISC Annex Ground, Absa Sports Club in Nairobi, and Eldoret. However, the timeline for their readiness remains uncertain.

Uganda’s Preparedness

Recently, the Ugandan government launched the construction of Hoima Stadium, which is expected to cost 482 billion shillings and take 20 months to complete.

This launch came nearly four months after Kyambogo University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government to transform one of its football pitches into a modern training facility for the upcoming AFCON 2027.

Speaking to the media earlier this month, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering AFCON as promised.

He mentioned that he had already met with CAF officials and highlighted urgent issues the government has begun addressing. In addition to the Kyambogo University pitch, Ogwang noted plans to develop another facility at Makerere University and redevelop the Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.

CHAN Teaser

In preparation for AFCON 2027, East Africa will host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), another continental tournament featuring national teams composed exclusively of players active in their national leagues.

Ogwang announced that Uganda will host two groups of three teams each, Tanzania will host two groups, and Kenya will host one group. He believes that if Uganda can secure four training venues for CHAN, it will be halfway toward meeting the requirements for AFCON.

Uganda plans to accompany each stadium with two training venues, including Namboole Stadium, Hoima Stadium, and Aki Bua Stadium. Two additional training venues are expected to be constructed for Namboole.

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