One Year to TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027: Denis Onyango “We have to give Africa the best show”

One Year to TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027: Denis Onyango “We have to give Africa the best show” Published: Friday, 19 June 2026

With exactly one year remaining until the kick-off of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027, anticipation is steadily building across East Africa as Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania prepare to host the continent’s biggest football spectacle under the unifying banner of Pamoja.

For the first time in history, three nations will jointly host Africa’s premier football competition - a historic landmark moment not only for the region, but for African football as a whole.

The excitement surrounding the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 has been further amplified by the recent successful hosting of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) by the three East African nations, a tournament widely hailed as one of the most successful editions in the competition’s history.

The success of CHAN offered a powerful glimpse of what the region can achieve, raising confidence ahead of the 2027 edition.

 

 

 

Among those embracing the significance of the moment is Ugandan football legend and Mamelodi Sundownsgoalkeeper Denis Onyango, whose decorated career has made him one of Africa’s most respected football figures.

Speaking exclusively to CAFOnline.com, Onyango described the milestone as both deeply personal and transformative for football development in Uganda and across the region.

“First of all, I would like to thank CAF for granting East Africa the opportunity to host some of the best footballers on the continent,” said Onyango.

The veteran shot-stopper believes AFCON 2027 represents far more than just elite football on home soil, adding that the tournament’s true value lies in the lasting opportunities it can create for future generations.

“This milestone means a lot to me because hosting the biggest football show on the continent will provide more opportunities for football in Uganda to develop,” he said.

“It will also help expose more talent to some of the biggest leagues in the world, and for me, that is one of the most important aspects of this tournament.”

Uganda’s role as co-host marks a historic first for the country, and Onyango believes the impact will extend far beyond the pitch.

The 41-year-old pointed to infrastructure development as one of the tournament’s most important legacies, highlighting the benefits of new stadiums, improved training facilities and broader sports investment.

“Ugandan football will definitely benefit from co-hosting AFCON because we will have more sports facilities, new stadiums and training centres. This will not only help football but the entire sports sector”, said Uganda.

The economic and social ripple effects, Onyango added, could be just as significant. From road upgrades to hospitality growth and increased tourism, he sees AFCON 2027 as a catalyst for national and regional progress.

“Uganda as a country will also see more development, with new hotels and roads being constructed. Small businesses will benefit from tourists coming to watch the tournament,” he said.

“The tournament will also offer Uganda a global platform to showcase its culture, hospitality and natural attractions. We have so much to offer, including places like the Source of the Nile. The AFCON gives us the chance to show Africa and the world what Uganda is about.”

Central to the 2027 tournament is the Pamoja spirit  (Swahili for “together”) - symbolising the collective effort of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in delivering a memorable event.

It is that unity that the Onyango believes will become one of the defining success stories of the competition, especially after the strong foundation laid by the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN tournament.

“Hosting AFCON as Pamoja will strengthen the relationship between all three countries. It will help develop transport systems and road networks between us, while also benefiting neighbouring countries whose teams will travel to compete in the tournament. Economically, all three countries will benefit definitely because during AFCON, Africa will be in East Africa.”

East Africa’s recent successful hosting of CHAN has already shown that the region can rise to the occasion.

Onyango believes East Africa has both the responsibility and the opportunity to set a new benchmark for AFCON hosting.

“We have to give Africa the best show. This is the first time three countries are hosting AFCON, and we must be ready not only to match what previous host countries have done, but to do even better. I want Africa and the world to say East Africa delivered an exceptional tournament. A tournament with great hospitality, strong infrastructure and unforgettable football,” he concluded.

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 will kick-off on 19 June, with the final scheduled for 27 July 2027.