Remarks by Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye questioning East Africa’s preparedness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have triggered intense debate across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with fans and commentators split over whether his comments were harsh or a necessary wake-up call.
Speaking during a televised interview that has since gone viral, Gaye said his comments were not meant to disrespect the three host nations but to challenge them to meet the higher standards set by recent AFCON hosts, particularly Morocco.
“I didn’t say it to harm anybody. I said it as a challenge to those countries,” Gaye said, arguing that African football hosting expectations have changed dramatically over the past decade.
He pointed to Morocco’s infrastructure during the ongoing AFCON as the new benchmark, citing efficient transport systems, modern highways, high-speed trains, quality hotels and world-class stadiums that function even under extreme weather conditions.
“In Morocco, it rained the whole day and night during the opening ceremony, but the ball was rolling like it was on a carpet,” he said. “From now on, we don’t want to expect anything less.”
Gaye drew comparisons with Sub-Saharan Africa, claiming that while capitals may show progress, infrastructure often falls sharply outside major cities. He also questioned whether Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda currently have enough top-class stadiums and supporting facilities to stage a tournament of AFCON’s growing global profile.
“How many times has AFCON been postponed because of lack of proper infrastructure?” he asked, recalling Kenya’s loss of hosting rights in 1996 due to unpreparedness, when the tournament was moved to South Africa.
The journalist warned that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) would not hesitate to strip the three nations of hosting rights if preparations fall behind schedule.
“If you are not ready, obviously it will be taken away from you,” Gaye said. “CAF has no sentiment. They have done it many times before.”
He also highlighted logistical and administrative concerns, including visa access, noting that Kenya does not currently offer visa-free entry to all African citizens, unlike Tanzania and Uganda, which he said could complicate fan movement during the tournament.
Asked what East African governments should do to avoid embarrassment, Gaye cited Ivory Coast’s own experience, revealing that senior officials were dismissed just months before AFCON after funds meant for pitch improvements were misused.
“Three months before AFCON, the minister of sport and the prime minister were fired because the pitch became a swimming pool after the first rain,” he said. “That seriousness is what hosting requires.”
Gaye stressed that hosting AFCON is about more than stadiums, pointing to transport networks, accommodation, training facilities and youth sports infrastructure as critical components.
“Sport can take millions of youth off the streets, but in most of our countries we don’t even have proper facilities for them,” he said, contrasting that with Morocco where football is played across cities day and night.
Despite calls from some East Africans for an apology, Gaye stood firm, dismissing what he termed “blind patriotism”.
“Why should I apologize? I am Kenyan. I am Ugandan. I am Tanzanian. I am African,” he said. “We must accept positive criticism if we want to improve.”
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were jointly awarded hosting rights for AFCON 2027, marking the first time the tournament will be staged across three East African nations. While governments in the region have pledged major investments in stadiums, roads and supporting infrastructure, Gaye’s remarks have reignited scrutiny over whether the region can deliver an AFCON that matches the rising expectations of African and global audiences.
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