BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
A DELEGATION from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed satisfaction with the progress so far achieved in the construction of the new Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha, one of Tanzania’s key venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The delegation inspected the stadium on Thursday, September 3, 2026 as part of CAF’s ongoing assessment of Tanzania’s preparedness to co-host the continental championship alongside Kenya and Uganda.
The CAF technical inspection is led by Khaled Nassar.
The CAF officials arrived in Arusha from Zanzibar, where they had also inspected stadiums and other facilities earmarked for use during the tournament.
While in Zanzibar, the delegation assessed sporting infrastructure and other essential services, including health and emergency medical facilities. CAF officials expressed satisfaction with improvements made in the Isles, particularly in health services and emergency preparedness ahead of the tournament.
The delegation started its tour of Tanzania on September 1 in Dar es Salaam, where it held discussions with members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), before visiting various facilities designated for the championship.
In Dar es Salaam, the team inspected sporting infrastructure, including the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and training facilities, as well as health services expected to support players, officials and visitors during the competition.
The delegation also visited the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and assessed facilities at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) and Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), as part of its review of Tanzania’s medical and emergency response capacity.
The CAF inspection team comprises specialists in several areas critical to the organisation of the tournament, including stadium infrastructure, medical services, transport and logistics, accommodation, safety and security.
In Arusha, attention centred on the new Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium, which is being developed as one of Tanzania’s major venues for AFCON 2027.
The officials were impressed by the progress made at the stadium and the pace at which the remaining works are being carried out as preparations for the continental football showpiece enter a crucial stage.
Apart from the main stadium, preparations in Arusha include supporting infrastructure and other facilities required to accommodate teams, officials, supporters and other visitors expected in the city during the tournament.
The inspection is part of CAF’s continued monitoring of preparations in the three East African host countries to ensure stadiums and other essential infrastructure meet the standards required for Africa’s biggest national football competition.
Tanzania will host AFCON matches in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar, with the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium, New Amaan Complex and other designated facilities forming part of the country’s hosting infrastructure.
The 2027 AFCON finals, officially branded AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
The tournament will mark a historic occasion for East Africa, with the three neighbouring countries jointly staging the continent’s premier football competition.
