David GOMBE
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has received declaration of interest from six countries in the bidding process to select the host nation for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania put in a joint bid and will battle Algeria, Egypt and Botswana.
Earlier this month, the Ugandan Parliament approved the proposal to give support to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the Football Associations of Tanzania to have a joint bid of hosting the 2027 AFCON Finals.
CAF also confirmed that inspection visits will be done between June 1st and 15th July. The date of CAF decision will however be communicated.
The major concern for Uganda to host the continental showpiece would be lack of infrastructure specifically Stadiums.
Rehabilitation works at Mandela National Stadium Namboole are ongoing while Buhinga, Masaka Recreation Ground plus Akii Bua are already in plans.
The latest development comes days after FUFA confirmed that Uganda will host their AFCON Qualifier against Algeria in Cameroon due to the unfinished works at Namboole.
The Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang who had earlier assured the nation that Uganda will entertain Algeria at Namboole revealed that procurement contracts were signed but were only delayed in terms of deliveries which could go up to mid-May.
Ogwang however remained confident that the Government will do what it takes to complete the stadium without further delays.
What remains to be seen is if the Stadium will be complete by the time CAF Inspections are done for all the bidders.
Meanwhile, for any Nation to host the AFCON, you must have six standard stadia but in case of a joint bid, each country is required to have at least three.
Meanwhile, a total of eighteen (18) countries have hosted the competition, with two editions being co-hosted: 2000 (Ghana and Nigeria) and 2012 (Gabon and Equatorial Guinea).
