CAF president Patrice Motsepe has backed Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to successfully host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite concerns over the pace of preparations and the readiness of key infrastructure.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsMotsepe was unequivocal in dismissing suggestions that the tournament could be moved from East Africa, insisting CAF remains fully committed to the three co-hosts.“There is no Plan B, there is no Plan C, there never will be. We are going to work very hard in Tanzania,” Motsepe declared at a press conference in Tanzania on Thursday,17 September.##NAJAVA_MECA_9964524##Motsepe acknowledged that the three countries still face challenges ahead of the tournament but said CAF would work closely with the governments to ensure key deadlines are met.“There will always be challenges and areas that require improvement, but we have to believe in ourselves as East Africans and Africans that we will work together and meet those deadlines,” he said.The CAF president is touring the three host nations as part of efforts to assess their progress ahead of the continental showpiece, which will be the first AFCON jointly staged by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda under the ‘Pamoja’ banner.In Tanzania, Motsepe visited Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and held talks with the government before travelling to Kenya on Friday for meetings with government officials and inspections of facilities earmarked for the tournament.Homeboyz chairman reveals millions spent during delayed Premier League kick-offHe admitted that considerable work remains, with the three countries having to accelerate preparations with less than a year to the scheduled kick-off.“I’m very proud of the good work that’s taking place in Tanzania. We have nine months, and part of my emphasis is that we have to speed up. We are here to work together, to help, and to assist. This is our AFCON," Motsepe said.Motsepe also addressed concerns raised in sections of the media over preparations, saying CAF welcomes scrutiny while calling for balanced coverage of the work being undertaken by the hosts.“The media must be objective. Criticize us and make sure that they make us aware of our failures and our deficiencies. It’s very important. We need that,” he said.Harambee Stars winger benched as Real Sociedad lose to Europa League debutants“What we would also request is, where there’s good work happening in Tanzania, say so.”Motsepe’s visit comes as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda race to bring their stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, and other tournament infrastructure up to CAF standards
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