With exactly one year remaining before the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ugandan football legend Denis Onyango has called on East Africa to deliver an unforgettable tournament as Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania prepare to jointly host the continent’s biggest football event.
The 2027 edition will mark a historic milestone for African football, becoming the first AFCON tournament to be co-hosted by three countries. Under the banner of “Pamoja” — the Swahili word for “together” — the three East African nations are working to stage a competition that showcases not only football excellence but also regional unity and development.
Speaking to CAFOnline.com, the former Uganda Cranes captain and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper described the opportunity as transformative for both Uganda and the wider East African region.
“Hosting the biggest football show on the continent will provide more opportunities for football in Uganda to develop,” Onyango said. “It will also help expose more talent to some of the biggest leagues in the world, and for me, that is one of the most important aspects of this tournament.”
The excitement surrounding AFCON 2027 has been boosted by the successful organization of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by the same host nations. The tournament was widely praised and has strengthened confidence in the region’s ability to host Africa’s premier football competition.
Onyango believes Uganda stands to gain significantly from co-hosting the tournament, particularly through infrastructure development. New stadiums, training facilities, transport networks, and sports investments are expected to leave a lasting legacy long after the final whistle.
“Ugandan football will definitely benefit from co-hosting AFCON because we will have more sports facilities, new stadiums and training centres,” he said. “This will not only help football but the entire sports sector.”
Beyond sport, Onyango highlighted the potential economic impact of the tournament. Increased tourism, improved road networks, new hospitality investments, and opportunities for small businesses are among the benefits he expects the country to enjoy.
“The tournament will also offer Uganda a global platform to showcase its culture, hospitality and natural attractions,” he said. “We have so much to offer, including the Source of the Nile. AFCON gives us the chance to show Africa and the world what Uganda is about.”
The veteran goalkeeper also emphasized the importance of the Pamoja spirit, noting that collaboration between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania could strengthen regional ties and accelerate development across East Africa.
“Hosting AFCON as Pamoja will strengthen the relationship between all three countries,” Onyango said. “Economically, all three countries will benefit because during AFCON, Africa will be in East Africa.”
As preparations continue, Onyango has challenged the region to set a new standard for hosting major football tournaments.
“We have to give Africa the best show,” he said. “This is the first time three countries are hosting AFCON, and we must be ready not only to match what previous host countries have done, but to do even better. I want Africa and the world to say East Africa delivered an exceptional tournament – one with great hospitality, strong infrastructure, and unforgettable football.”
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 is scheduled to kick off on June 19, 2027, with the final set for July 27, 2027.
