Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu has expressed her excitement after Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania jointly won the bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
Through a statement, she thanked God for the win, urging the Sports ministry to start early preparations ahead of the event.
She said the modern stadia in Arusha and Dodoma will be renovated to perfection, and assured that other preparations are at bay.
"Nawaagiza Wizara ya Utamaduni, Sanaa na Michezo kuhakikisha tunafanya maandalizi mazuri, ikiwemo kukamilika kwa wakati na kwa ubora wa hali ya juu, viwanja viwili vipya vya kisasa vya michezo Arusha na Dodoma," she said.
"Tunamshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu tumefanikiwa kuwa wenyeji wa michuano mikubwa ya soka Afrika (AFCON2027), tukishirikiana na Kenya na Uganda."
President William Ruto on his part after receiving the exciting news said he was elated about the opportunity as the reforms under the Ministry of Sports are finally taking place.
"Many people did not believe that we will host Afcon in 2027 because of the state of our football and sports in general. I want to thank our sports ministry and every other stakeholder in the department," he said.
"We are very proud of this achievement. We will mobilise every resource and person and every sector to ensure we deliver a world-class football event in 2027. All infrasture needed will be made available."
The announcement was made during a CAF executive meeting at the headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, chaired by President Patrice Motsepe.
The East African nations beat Egypt, Senegal, and Botswana.
In the bid, Kenya fronted Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium as their main venues while Tanzania picked Benjamin Mkapa and Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Uganda picked Nelson Mandela and Nakivubo Stadium.
Algeria were also in the running until the eve of the announcement when they withdrew their candidature.
The CAF meeting also gave Morocco the right to stage the 2025 finals.
