The Road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has begun, with 48 nations competing in group-stage qualifiers set to conclude in March 2025. Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will co-host the 36th edition of the tournament, a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) aimed at preparing the host nations through participation in the qualifiers. Kenya’s Harambee Stars are in Group D, facing Eritrea, 1996 champions South Africa, and Guinea. The team’s preparation, however, has been marred by player disputes over unpaid allowances, inadequate nutrition, and substandard training facilities, according to reports. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Sports have been criticized for failing to address systemic issues within the national team. Players have boycotted training sessions, citing unresolved financial and logistical concerns. Meanwhile, head coach Benni McCarthy has not been granted a work permit since assuming his role in March 2023, forcing him to leave the country after each campaign. The FKF has faced mounting pressure to resolve these challenges, as the team’s performance could impact Kenya’s reputation as a co-host and the broader success of the 2027 Afcon. The federation and government have been urged to prioritize the team’s welfare to avoid further setbacks. CAF’s inclusion of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in the qualifiers is intended to simulate the demands of hosting the tournament, but the Harambee Stars’ current struggles highlight gaps in organizational preparedness. The team’s inability to secure a stable environment for training risks undermining Kenya’s ambitions as a host nation. Analysts emphasize that resolving these issues is critical not only for the team’s competitiveness but also for ensuring public confidence in the country’s ability to deliver a successful Afcon. The upcoming matches against Eritrea and other Group D opponents will serve as a litmus test for the team’s readiness. Despite the challenges, the FKF and stakeholders remain hopeful that the Harambee Stars will refocus on preparations. A strong performance in the qualifiers could attract fans to the 2027 Afcon, boosting economic and cultural engagement. However, without immediate action to address player concerns and administrative hurdles, the team’s prospects remain uncertain. The situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in managing Kenya’s national football program, as the stakes for the 2027 event continue to rise.
2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
Harambee Stars' Struggles Undermine 2027 Afcon Qualifiers as FKF Faces Pressure to Resolve Internal Issues
The Road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has begun, with 48 nations competing in group-stage qualifiers set to conclude in March 2025. Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will co-host the 36th edition of the tournament, a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) aimed at preparing the host nations through participation in the qualifiers. Kenya’s Harambee Stars are in Group D, facing Eritrea, 1996 champions South Africa, and Guinea. The team’s preparation, however, has been marred by player disputes over unpaid allowances, poor facilities, and unresolved issues with their coach’s work permit.
2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
Harambee Stars' Struggles Undermine 2027 Afcon Qualifiers as FKF Faces Pressure to Resolve Internal Issues
The Road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has begun, with 48 nations competing in group-stage qualifiers set to conclude in March 2025. Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will co-host the 36th edition of the tournament, a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) aimed at preparing the host nations through participation in the qualifiers. Kenya’s Harambee Stars are in Group D, facing Eritrea, 1996 champions South Africa, and Guinea. The team’s preparation, however, has been marred by player disputes over unpaid allowances, poor facilities, and unresolved issues with their coach’s work permit.
2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
Harambee Stars' Struggles Undermine 2027 Afcon Qualifiers as FKF Faces Pressure to Resolve Internal Issues
The Road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has begun, with 48 nations competing in group-stage qualifiers set to conclude in March 2025. Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will co-host the 36th edition of the tournament, a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) aimed at preparing the host nations through participation in the qualifiers. Kenya’s Harambee Stars are in Group D, facing Eritrea, 1996 champions South Africa, and Guinea. The team’s preparation, however, has been marred by player disputes over unpaid allowances, poor facilities, and unresolved issues with their coach’s work permit.