Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania co-hosted the rescheduled CHAN tournament, featuring national teams consisting of players currently playing in their respective local leagues, in August 2025.
Morocco beat Madagascar 3-2 in the final played at Kasarani Stadium, claiming their third CHAN title in six years. This also made them the most successful team in the history of the tournament, one better than DR Congo’s two titles.
The three nations are now preparing to co-host the 2027 AFCON from June 19th to July 18th, which will be the first to be hosted by three countries, and the first in five decades to be organised in the CECAFA region, since it was hosted by Ethiopia in 1976.
Ahead of the tournament, leaders from government, CAF and the PAMOJA host nations delivered strong messages of commitment, unity and readiness during a CAF AFCON 2027 workshop in Kampala, setting the tone for the next phase of preparations with a shared ambition to deliver a historic and transformative tournament for East Africa.
‘We must avoid comparisons’
“AFCON is a great opportunity for the region to demonstrate its capability and unity. AFCON in Morocco generated 1.8 billion dollars in direct investment and value, and this shows the potential impact,” said Adamu in Kampala.
“CHAN was a valuable lesson, but AFCON is a completely different tournament with greater scale, expectations and requirements. We must adopt a new mindset and avoid comparisons.”
Adamu added: “We are about one year away, and time is limited. What could wait before cannot wait now. Every moment matters. From this meeting, roles and responsibilities must be clear, and milestones well defined. Strong structures and government support are essential.”
Adamu further assured East Africa that CAF President Patrice Motsepe was rooting for the tournament to be hosted in the region.
“The President of CAF and the organisation believe in this project,” explained Adamu. “We succeed together and face challenges together.
“We must work closely, speak honestly and focus on delivering a strong outcome. This is a major opportunity for all of us. We cannot fail. I will not allow us to fail.”
AFCON 2027 the best in history
Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) President Moses Magogo said: “These events were previously hosted in other regions of Africa, but not East Africa. What we lacked was opportunity and experience, not ability.
“We now have the opportunity, and we will learn from the Confederation of African Football, which has vast experience in hosting AFCON. This is an opportunity for the East African Community.
“Our leaders have emphasised regional integration, and football is bringing East Africa together. It is an opportunity to strengthen and deepen our community.”
Magogo added: “We are ready to learn, improve and deliver. Where we fell short during CHAN, we will improve. Our objective is to make East Africa the best host Africa has ever had.”
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed said: “What happens after 2027 will define us. The legacy we leave behind for future generations will be critical. This requires sacrifice, longer hours and commitment beyond personal interests.
“It is an honour to be part of this process. I assure all stakeholders that we will do everything possible to make AFCON 2027 the best in history.”
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia promised the African body that the remaining tasks will be completed by the end of December.
“We will not let you down,” said Karia. “We will take guidance seriously and move with urgency.
“We must complete all key tasks before the end of December so that the remaining period is for final preparations.”
The Adamu-led CAF delegation is in Uganda to give an update on delivery priorities for the next phase of preparations for the competition.
This kick-off meeting reflects the collective determination of CAF and the three PAMOJA host nations to work in close collaboration and with a clear sense of purpose as preparations gather pace.