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AFCON 2027 Might Be Uganda’s Greatest Tourism Second But » The Touchline Sports activities – The Panorama Uganda
The sports activities fraternity converged on the tenth version of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) this week with a unified message: the 2027 version of the Africa Cup of Nations shall be way over a soccer match. It’s being seen as a once-in-a-generation alternative to showcase Uganda and the broader East African area to the world.
The 2027 match will mark the first-ever AFCON to be co-hosted by three East African nations (Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania) in what is predicted to be a historic milestone for each African soccer and regional tourism. The ultimate listing of the 24 certified groups is predicted to be confirmed in September 2026.
Talking at POATE, Hassan El Kamah highlighted the size of the chance awaiting the host nations.
“Think about three billion tv viewers world wide seeing your model throughout AFCON matches,” El Kamah stated. “That is the ability of AFCON, an unbelievable platform for funding and tourism development in Uganda.”
Hassan El Kamah, the Business Director of Confederation of African Soccer
El Kamah famous that AFCON has developed into one in all Africa’s greatest financial and industrial platforms, with the 2027 version projected to generate greater than USD 2 billion in mixed financial influence throughout the three host international locations.
He pointed to the success of the 2025 match in Morocco, the place the ultimate at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium attracted 66,526 spectators whereas beIN Sports activities recorded over 97 million cumulative viewers throughout the competitors.
“Our President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, all the time says will probably be one of the best AFCON in historical past,” El Kamah added. “Internet hosting three stunning international locations like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is one thing particular.”
He additionally challenged Uganda’s personal sector, together with airways, inns, tour operators and leisure suppliers, to start preparations instantly with a view to totally capitalize on the match.
“The window to construct one thing value visiting is actual,” he stated. “Nevertheless it received’t keep open without end.”
With qualification bulletins anticipated in September 2026, stakeholders in hospitality, transport, leisure and infrastructure have been urged to fast-track visitor-ready experiences forward of the anticipated inflow of followers and media consideration.
Dr. Taibu Azar captured the nationwide temper whereas addressing delegates on the expo.
“Soccer has all the time been Uganda’s heartbeat,” she stated. “AFCON 2027 provides us the best stage now we have ever needed to present the world who we’re, not solely as a soccer nation, however as a vacation spot.”
“When these followers arrive, they are going to discover a nation that’s heat, stunning and in contrast to anyplace else on the continent. We’re prepared, and we’re excited,” she added.
Dr. Azar additional revealed that preparations are already underway between the Federation of Uganda Soccer Associations and the Uganda Tourism Board to diversify Uganda’s tourism product past wildlife.
“Now we have been working with Uganda Tourism Board since final 12 months to determine methods we will diversify our product past wildlife and use this match to drive visibility and entice investments into music, hospitality, tradition and plenty of others,” she defined.
Juliana Kagwa described AFCON 2027 as “Uganda’s single greatest tourism advertising alternative in a era.”
In keeping with Kagwa, the technique is to make sure visiting followers expertise greater than soccer by connecting them to sights similar to gorilla trekking, the Supply of the Nile, cultural experiences in Kampala and Uganda’s broader journey tourism choices.
“They arrive for the sport, they keep for the Pearl of Africa,” Kagwa stated, summarizing the board’s imaginative and prescient of changing soccer supporters into long-stay vacationers.
The Uganda Tourism Board additionally confirmed plans to safe vacation spot associate advertising rights linked to AFCON 2027 in a bid to place Vacation spot Uganda prominently on the worldwide stage.
Associated
Paez is a record breaker and a headline maker.
He became the youngest debutant and goalscorer in Ecuadorian top-flight history at the age of 15 before making his debut in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, later that same season.
Later in 2023, aged 16 years and 131 days, he made his second appearance for Ecuador, becoming the second-youngest South American international to feature in World Cup qualifying after Diego Maradona.
A month later, he became the youngest South American to score in a World Cup qualifier in a 2-1 win away to Bolivia.
It was understandable, therefore, that Chelsea believed the attacker, who had two international goals and 18 caps when they agreed to sign him, was destined for big things.
Chelsea allowed him to train regularly with the first team before he was officially eligible to join the club following his 18th birthday.
They also provided security for Paez, his family and the family of international team-mate Moises Caicedo after violence broke out in Ecuador in early 2024.
A few months later, Paez was filmed in a New York strip club while away on international duty.
He initially impressed on loan at Chelsea‘s sister club Strasbourg by winning September’s Young Player of the Month award in the French top flight, but then came in for criticism from then-manager Liam Rosenior.
“We expect more, clearly,” Rosenior said later that season. “I’m tired of using the excuse of the player’s youth.”
Despite Strasbourg’s links to Chelsea through their shared ownership, the loan was cut short after one goal in 21 appearances. Instead, he joined Argentine giants River Plate on a two-year loan spell.
Sources in Argentina expressed similar concerns about his attitude when asked by BBC Sport. They point to a disappointing display in the 1-0 Superclasico defeat by fierce rivals Boca Juniors at the Monumental in April.
Shortly afterwards, Paez was named by club president Stefano Di Carlo as one of 15 players training away from River Plate’s first team, although other sources felt he could have been given more opportunities.
His loan ended by mutual consent after Paez scored once in 14 appearances in 461 minutes for River Plate.
Ahead of the international break, concern has been expressed in Ecuador, having built him up as the country’s next great attacking talent.
Michel Deller, the owner of Independiente, told Hincha Amarillo: “He’s like a son to us. We care about him deeply.
“He’s a good kid who’s had a tough time and has made decisions that have complicated his life.
“We are always hopeful he’ll show his exceptional talent one again but right now, it’s up to him to decide what to do with his life.”
These concerns are not dismissed completely by Chelsea or Paez’s environment. However, there is a belief they are grossly overstated, highlighting he is owed time to grow as a player and person.
London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez has signed a new contract, keeping her at the club until 2029.
The 24-year-old has become a key player for Eder Maestre’s side since joining from Barcelona a year ago.
She played in every Women’s Super League match for London City last season as they finished sixth in their debut campaign in the top flight.
Her performances at right-back earned her the fans’ votes for club player of the season.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract here at London City,” said Fernandez.
“When I arrived in England one year ago I joined this club with dreams for the future.
“Potential, excitement and progress are three words I associate with the club and I’m pleased to commit my future. I feel at home and settled here.
“We are building something special together, as players, staff and fans, and I can’t wait to play my part.”
Before her move to England, Fernandez spent her career at Barcelona, graduating from their academy and becoming a five-time league champion.
She also won the Champions League and Copa de la Reina three times.
Fernandez was part of the Spain team that finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.
She has been joined at London City by former Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas – the two-time Ballon d’Or winner – and Mapi Leon.
Under US billionaire owner Michele Kang, London City hope to break into the WSL’s traditional top three and qualify for the Champions League.
Having attracted big names in the summer, it was crucial London City retained their other talent, and they have been able to do that with Fernandez and England winger Freya Godfrey committing their futures in recent months.
Kieron: Kilmarnock could have won by three or four and it wouldn’t of flattered them. Hibs were so poor tonight. David Gray’s position is hanging by a thread.
Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.
Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.
Chris: Question the tactics. Thought for long time long ball is desperate and lacks ambition. Pressure indeed on David Gray.
Lee: If we end the game two points off bottom spot then it’s surely time up for the Hibs manager. It’s not a run and recovery from a bad position needed, it’s deliver and results from the get go the support demands for a club of our size.
Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as David Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.
Paul: Long balls to no-one as usual from Hibs and as usual our keeper is a weak link. Gray has to go even if we win as this is awful football. Bring in Neil Lennon or Steve Clarke asap before our season drifts to nothing as usual.
Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.
Brian: Worst backline in Scotland, midfielders trot about like headless chickens, feel sorry for strikers. Gray clueless. No plan. No tactics. Blah, blah, blah after game as usual but won’t resign. Board have to act.
SMcDhfc: David Gray has lost the team, it was obvious tonight. As an attacking force, we were shocking, lots of huffing and puffing but not one real effort on target. The players should be embarrassed after that display, but they will get the result they are after, Gray sacked.
Craig: I like Gray but believe it’s time he goes. He has one formation. It’s just not good enough. But, if he goes, Malky MacKay [director of football] should go too. His signings have been terrible.
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