Denis Onyango of Uganda during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Uganda and Nigeria at Complexe Sportif de Fes in Fez, Morocco on 30 December 2025 © Abd El Kader Cherradi /BackpagePix
Saturday Jan 24, 2026. 13:00
Mamelodi Sundowns and Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango expressed his excitement and pride at his nation, Uganda, hosting the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
With the 2025 edition in Morocco wrapped-up, the continent waits in anticipation for the first edition to be hosted by three nations in the history of the competition.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host the 2027 edition after a successful bid, with the trio being announced as hosts in September 2023. The three countries beat out Botswana and Zambia, Nigeria and Benin, and Senegal to be awarded the prestigious tournament.
The 2025 African Nations Championship was hosted by the trio in August as a trial run for the continental showpiece.
Speaking after Sundowns’ 2-2 draw with Al Hilal S.C. in Pretoria on Friday, the veteran goalkeeper
“Very proud that we were given the opportunity by CAF to host AFCON. I think it’s going to be the first time to host three countries,” said Onyango.
The 40-year-old represented Uganda at the recent AFCON in Morocco and was full of praise for the standard set by the North African nation.
“But we need to prepare well because what we saw in Morocco is world class. So we need to up our game. Of course we can’t say we’ll be at the same level as Morocco. But we will try and provide the pitches, which is the most important part.”
Despite stating that the recent tournament in Morocco would be hard to top, Onyango is sure that his country will still have plenty of time to provide a world class competition.
“We still have time, I think. We still have time and the government will work on it. I think CAF also helps in that aspect. We will do our best to give the continent one of the biggest shows on the continent. So it’s on us to try and do the little things quicker. Because the stadiums are ready. In Uganda the stadiums are ready. The Hoima stadium was already unveiled by the president. So we just need to do the final touches.”
Onyango has notched 82 appearances for Uganda and captained the Cranes in their final two group games at the 2025 AFCON, after missing the first due to an ankle injury.
By Nic Gleeson