AFCON
East Africa Rallies Around ‘PAMOJA’ Vision for AFCON 2027 After High-Level Kampala Meeting
A high-level meeting involving the Confederation of African Football (CAF), sports ministers, football administrators and local organising officials from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda has reaffirmed a united commitment to successfully deliver the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The strategic “PAMOJA” AFCON 2027 kick-off meeting, held in Kampala on April 23, brought together key stakeholders from the three host nations to review progress and align plans for the continental tournament.
CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu praised the host countries for the strides made so far, while reiterating CAF’s full backing for the joint bid. He stressed the need for strong coordination, disciplined execution and a unified regional approach to ensure a successful tournament.
The three nations also expressed appreciation to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for his continued support, technical guidance and confidence in the historic tri-nation hosting arrangement.
A central part of the meeting was a comprehensive review of preparations, with particular attention to infrastructure, security, hospitality, media readiness and governance.
Officials outlined ongoing work across the three countries, including the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training facilities, transport systems, airports and accommodation. The ministers reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to meeting CAF standards, with August 2026 set as a key milestone for assessing readiness.
Beyond infrastructure, the hosts pledged to position East Africa as a premier destination for football fans. Plans are underway to ensure high standards in hotel services, healthcare, transport efficiency and security, while showcasing the region’s hospitality.
The tournament is also being framed as a catalyst for tourism growth, trade expansion and broader economic development across the region.
The meeting agreed on a coordinated governance structure for the Local Organising Committees, designed to ensure efficiency and accountability. The framework will include CAF representatives, government ministers, football federation presidents and LOC chairpersons.
To ease movement during the tournament, the three countries are working toward a unified “PAMOJA Visa” system. The initiative aims to simplify travel for fans, teams, officials and media through visa exemptions, expedited processes and harmonised immigration procedures.
The ministers also committed to regular high-level and technical meetings, backed by structured progress reporting, to track implementation and address emerging challenges.
Signed by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Uganda’s Minister Peter Ogwang, and Tanzania’s Minister Paul Makonda, the communiqué underscored a shared determination to deliver a “successful, memorable and transformational” tournament.
Under the banner of PAMOJA—Swahili for “together”—Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda aim to stage a historic edition of AFCON that symbolises African unity, regional cooperation and the power of football to drive development.
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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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