The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco delivered excitement on the pitch, but it also exposed gaps that African football can no longer ignore. From officiating controversies and congested scheduling to logistical strain around stadium access and fan services, the tournament offered hard lessons. Now, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are positioning themselves to correct what went wrong and to turn those lessons into a winning formula for East African football.
What went wrong in Morocco?
Despite world-class venues, AFCON 2025 faced criticism over inconsistent refereeing decisions that sparked protests from teams and fans alike. Tight match schedules raised concerns about player welfare, while transport bottlenecks and ticketing challenges affected the match day experience in several host cities. Communication around VAR decisions and match organization also fell short of modern expectations, leaving a sense that execution didn’t always match ambition.
East Africa’s corrective plan
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are responding with a coordinated, reform-first approach. The three nations are investing early in referee training and VAR operations, emphasizing transparency and consistency. Stadium upgrades are being paired with transport planning, digital ticketing, and fan engagement systems to avoid congestion and confusion. Crucially, joint hosting allows load-sharing spreading matches, fans, and logistics across cities to reduce pressure on any single hub.
A chance to redefine hosting
AFCON 2025 showed what excellence looks like and where it can falter. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are determined to learn fast, plan smarter, and deliver a tournament that sets a new standard. If they succeed, East Africa won’t just host AFCON; it will reshape how Africa hosts football and reap the rewards that come with getting it right. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are set to host AFCON in August of 2027.
