AFCON 2027: CAF thumbs up TZ’s preps
DAR ES SALAAM: CONFEDERATION of African Football (CAF) has said Tanzania is on the right track to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after inspecting its tournament facilities, including health services in Dar es Salaam.
A CAF delegation is conducting a three-day inspection of stadiums and supporting facilities across Tanzania. The inspection began in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, with the delegation visiting Zanzibar yesterday before concluding its assessment today in Arusha.
The inspection covers key areas including stadium infrastructure, medical and health services, transportation, logistics, accommodation and security as Tanzania prepares to cohost the continental showpiece with Kenya and Uganda.
In Dar es Salaam, the delegation inspected Muhimbili National Hospital and the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), focusing on the country’s preparedness to provide medical services to players and officials during the tournament.
The CAF Medical Manager, Dr Boubakary Sidiki, who is responsible for players’ health and safety, said the medical facilities inspected in Dar es Salaam meet the requirements needed for AFCON.
“We went through all the services. I am even surprised. I found VIP and VVIP lounges dedicated to the CAF delegation as a fast-track service in this hospital,” said Dr Sidiki.
“I think Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is ready for AFCON because the players who are coming for AFCON are different from the players who participate in CHAN. CHAN players are home-based players.”
JKCI Executive Director Dr Peter Kisenge said the institute is also prepared to provide medical services throughout the tournament, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor players remotely.
He said players whose conditions do not require hospital admission could continue to be monitored while resting in their hotel rooms.
On the first day of the inspection, the CAF experts also met Tanzania’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) to review the progress of preparations and identify areas requiring priority attention.
The delegation includes experts from various CAF committees responsible for stadium infrastructure, health and medical services, transportation, logistics, accommodation and security.
