Kenya could end up losing the right to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations tournament, CAF has warned amidst the slow progress of CHAN 2024 preparations.
Currently feeling the pressure over its slow progress in preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024), Kenya are likely to see an increased pressure in the next few days.
With two months to the tournament, Kenya’s two stadiums earmarked to host CHAN 2024, Kasarani and Nyayo, are not ready, while only Ulinzi Complex has been approved among the training facilities.
That has left CAF inspectors, led by General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, disappointed with the slow progress as Kenya prepares to co-host the tournament alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.
Amidst the worry over the CHAN 2024 preparedness, Mosengo-Omba has issued a warning to the three East African Nations that the upcoming tournament will be like an audition for them ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, whose hosting rights were given to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“If this region doesn’t deliver CHAN, then it will be very difficult to trust it to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations,” Mosengo-Omba warned on Tuesday, as quoted by Mozzart Sport.
Mosengo-Omba is putting pressure on the CHAN 2024 host nations with Kenya in particular lagging behind in getting its infrastructure ready although he remains optimistic that deadlines will be met.
“Nobody can be sure about tomorrow, but from what I’ve seen today—the huge progress—I see no reason the tournament can’t be played here. However, maintaining this momentum is crucial. Consistency is what matters,” he added, offering cautious optimism.
“Previously, Kasarani had just a few seats, but now it’s fully seated. That said, there are still critical elements that must be completed before we can declare Kenya ready.
“I came here in December and saw bare ground, but now there’s grass. Some pitches look so good you could play golf on them. That’s real progress, even Nyayo has already hosted two matches.”
CHAN 2024 will kick off on August 2 and the three nations have one month to get the facilities ready as they are supposed to be handed over to CAF by July.
