Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye/FILEIvorian journalist Mamadou Gaye has sought to clarify controversial remarks he made questioning East Africa’s readiness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Gaye said his comments were never intended to offend the region or its people.
Gaye, however, stood by his assessment that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are yet to adequately prepare for the continental showpiece.
He argued that the standards for hosting AFCON have risen significantly following Morocco’s staging of the 2025 tournament.
“At the moment as we are speaking, the three countries are not properly ready,” Gaye said, insisting that his remarks were rooted in concern about delivery rather than hostility.
He noted that Morocco’s hosting of AFCON 2025 had set a new benchmark for the continent, raising expectations for infrastructure, transport and overall organisation.
“Morocco hosted because Guinea failed to do it. They were not ready. That is why I asked the questions incase they fail or there is delay, it will obviously be taken from the three countries,” he said.
Drawing from historical comparisons, Gaye pointed out that Côte d’Ivoire had once been ahead of Morocco in terms of development. “In the 1980s, Cote d'Ivoire was more developed than Morocco,” he said, adding that the situation has since changed dramatically.
He praised Morocco’s modern infrastructure, describing an integrated transport system that allowed seamless movement between venues.
“You were in Morocco, you could go to any of the venues on top highways, by speed train, by rail, by bus. Everything is first class. I expect sub-saharan Africa to reach that level,” Gaye said.
While acknowledging that East Africa has made progress, the journalist questioned whether the region currently meets the demands of a tournament of AFCON’s scale.
“I have been to East Africa and I know there is infrastructure and I know like most of West African countries, when you leave the capital city, the remaining part of the country is a bush. That is the reality. And you do not have top class stadium,” he said.
He further raised concerns about travel times between host cities, noting that while some roads are in good condition, they fall short of international standards. “The roads may be good but they are not highways. You take a lot of time traveling,” he added.
Gaye also cited Kenya’s past experience as a cautionary tale, recalling that the country lost hosting rights in the 1990s due to lack of preparedness. “In 1996 AFCON was given to Kenya but because they were not ready it went to South Africa,” he said.
Highlighting Morocco’s resilience during the recent tournament, Gaye referenced the opening ceremony, which was held amid heavy rainfall. “The opening ceremony in Morocco, it rained throughout the day and throughout the night but they could see the ball rolling,” he said. “We expect something like that in the three East African countries.”
Gaye’s comments sparked widespread debate after he questioned East Africa’s suitability to host AFCON 2027 during a pre-AFCON 2025 final press conference addressed by CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
His remarks drew sharp reactions from fans and officials across the region.
Responding to the concerns, Motsepe firmly dismissed suggestions that CAF could strip the region of hosting rights. “We are not going to take the competition away from these countries,” he said.
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