The 2027 edition will be one of the most significant tournaments in the history of African football, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda set to jointly host the competition.
It will be the first AFCON to be staged by three countries, marking a major moment for East African football and for the wider continent, and the first in five decades to be organised in the CECAFA region, since it was hosted by Ethiopia in 1976.
Because Tanzania’s spot in the 2027 finals is secured, their placement in Group L during the qualifiers serves primarily as a competitive run, where they are grouped alongside Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau.
Taifa Stars has played in five AFCONs, in 1980, 2019, 2023, 2025 and 2027. This resulted in Tanzania often struggling in the qualifying campaign.
Tanzania had to wait for 39 years before qualified to another AFCON. The national team’s records in the tournament is also not impressive, with five defeats and one lone draw dated from their 1980 debut edition, a 1-1 draw to Ivory Coast.
Tanzania aim to make nation proud
“It was an extraordinary moment for the country and for us as players. It is a huge honour,” Salum told CAFOnline.com when asked how he felt when CAF confirmed East Africa as AFCON hosts.
“We want to use this opportunity to show the world what Tanzania is capable of. We want to prove that we can achieve great things.
“Our goal is to make the nation proud and build on what we showed at the last AFCON.”
On what comes with playing at home, the Azam FC player said: “We understand that hosting a tournament of this magnitude naturally comes with enormous pressure.
“But our approach is to turn pressure into enjoyment. We must use the passion and support around us to push ourselves beyond our limits, go as far as possible, reach the semi-finals and, why not, dream of lifting the trophy.”
Salum added: “In Morocco, we surprised many people, but it was our supporters who carried us to those heights.
“That experience helped us grow. This time, with the tournament at home, we want to aim even higher. Winning the title is in God's hands. Sometimes destiny chooses another team.
“But one thing is certain – we will give everything we have.”
During the Morocco edition, Tanzania made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time before being eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing 1-0 against the Atlas Lions.
Salum further discussed the prospect of Tanzania either facing Kenya or Uganda during the latter stages of the tournament.
Tanzania vs Kenya a huge occasion
“We have always been neighbours and there is a strong bond, especially with Kenya. This unity gives us strength and brings support from governments and people across the region,” explained Salum.
“But on the pitch, let’s not hide it – the rivalry is real. There is great competition between our nations. If we face Kenya, it will be a huge occasion, a true brotherly battle.
“But it is a healthy rivalry, one that exists for the love of football and to give supporters a great spectacle.
“At the end of the day, we want the whole world to see the beauty of East African football. We will proudly represent our colours with the support of the entire people behind us.”
Salum concluded: “AFCON is the pinnacle of football on the continent. By opening our doors to Africa, we want to tell our story and share our culture and hospitality.
“This is a unique opportunity for all of us to celebrate together. That is why I encourage our supporters and fans from across the region to come out in large numbers.
“Not only for the matches, but even for the training sessions. Create a festive atmosphere and show the world our joy and unity. This celebration belongs to all of us, and together, hand in hand, we will make it unforgettable.”
The 2027 edition is part of the Africa Cup of Nations' 70th anniversary, and will also be the last one to be held in odd-numbered years, as CAF announced in December 2025 that AFCON would become a quadrennial tournament from 2028 onwards.
