Kenya to tap into Senegal’s football success ahead of AFCON 2027 - Ruto
As Kenya gears up for AFCON 2027, the collaboration with Senegal could mark a turning point that transforms the nation’s football systems and leaves a lasting sporting legacy.
Kenya is slated to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania after winning the joint bid in 2023, a milestone that has opened doors for broader international cooperation in sports development.
On Tuesday, October 21, President William Ruto and his Senegalese counterpart Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye signed a series of bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations, with sports, particularly football, emerging as a major area of focus.
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The partnership is expected to boost Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027 by drawing lessons from Senegal’s success both on and off the pitch.
“As Kenya prepares to co-host the AFCON 2027, we welcome Senegal’s support and experience in hosting and excelling in continental football tournaments,” President Ruto said.
“We look forward to learning from Senegal’s expertise in infrastructure development, event management, and building lasting sports legacies.”
Kenya’s recent experience hosting the 2024 CHAN tournament highlighted the urgent need for improved stadium infrastructure and event management.
The government has been racing to upgrade Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret; the three venues earmarked for AFCON. The soon-to-be-completed Talanta Stadium may also replace one of them.
During CHAN, Kenya faced challenges with ticketing and crowd management, earning fines from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The new cooperation framework, the Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC), aims to address such gaps by focusing on capacity building and knowledge exchange.
“We commit to exploring joint initiatives such as exchange programs for coaches and athletes, co-hosting regional tournaments, and establishing joint training camps,” Ruto added.
“By combining Kenya’s strength in athletics and Senegal’s prowess in football, we aim to uplift our young people and enhance cultural diplomacy.”
Senegal’s football model offers valuable insights. Its investment in youth academies like Génération Foot and Diambars Institute has produced a steady stream of talent, fueling the nation’s dominance across multiple levels, from winning AFCON 2021 to the U17 and U20 titles in 2023, and the CHAN 2022 crown.
The Lions of Teranga also recently secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their third consecutive appearance.
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