CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe says no decision has yet been made on which of the three host nations will stage the opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will make history by jointly hosting the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
Motsepe said all three countries have submitted proposals to host the opening match, with CAF still assessing the options before reaching a final decision.
“The host country for the opening match has not yet been decided,” Motsepe told the media on Thursday following a visit to Tanzania.
“All three host countries have submitted interesting proposals. We are still discussing, and a decision will be made soon.”
The CAF president also expressed confidence in Tanzania’s ability to stage major matches, citing the country’s recent experience hosting continental football events.
Motsepe revealed that he personally insisted on Tanzania hosting the opening match of the African Football League, which saw Tanzanian side Simba face Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Tanzania also hosted the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), an event Motsepe said demonstrated the country’s organisational capabilities.
“My confidence is based on realism,” he said.
CAF has deployed a 21-member team of experts to work across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda as preparations for AFCON 2027 continue.
The experts are assessing key areas including stadiums, training facilities, pitches and other infrastructure required to host the expanded continental tournament.
The three host nations are expected to continue working with CAF ahead of the final decision on the venue for the opening match.
