AFCON 2027: "At least the semi-finals"—a massive target set by Kenya

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·19 February 2026

AFCON 2027: "At least the semi-finals"—a massive target set by Kenya

Kenyans dream of a historic run on home soil

AFCON 2027: "At least the semi-finals"—a massive target set by Kenya

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The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, placing significant pressure on these host nations. Nicholas Musonye, the head of Kenya's organizing committee for the tournament, believes that the Harambee Stars should reach at least the semi-finals.

This is an ambitious goal for a country that has never advanced past the group stage in its six previous tournament appearances. Yet Nicholas Musonye expects coach Benni McCarthy to guide the Harambee Stars to the final four on home soil.

During the CHAN tournament (which was held in the same countries), we reached the quarter-finals, and that was good, but now we want to do even better. If the national team can make it to the semi-finals, it would make the tournament extremely exciting. Our goal is to reach the semi-finals... and from there, we can plan for how to get to the final.

This target stands in stark contrast to Kenya's footballing history, but on home ground, the Harambee Stars could be poised to write a new chapter.