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Algeria's decision to withdraw from the bidding process in the final moments before the announcement was a strategic move that sent shockwaves through the competition.
The existing political tension between North African neighbours Algeria and Morocco is well documented, with Africa football governing body, CAF, taking note of its potential detriment to football sanity.
Despite their differences, the two were unsung heroes in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania’s collaborative effort to secure the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),
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Sources within CAF have disclosed a behind-the-scenes account of how Algeria's eleventh-hour withdrawal and Morocco's influential manoeuvring significantly contributed to East Africa's historic win.
Algeria's decision to withdraw from the bidding process in the final moments before the announcement was a strategic move that sent shockwaves through the competition.
While the exact motives behind this withdrawal remain undisclosed, it proved to be a game-changer.
Algeria Football Association (FAF) president, Walid Sadi, announced the decision on the eve of the voting day, after meeting the country’s president Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
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07:51 - 28.09.2023
PAMOJA BID How much every nation will contribute to AFCON 2027
The Pamoja bid which is a collaborative effort between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania emerged victorious, securing the prestigious honour of hosting the 2027 AFCON.
Saidi explained that the Desert Foxes will be focusing their efforts on reorganising football in the country.
As Algeria stepped back from the race, it took the initiative to persuade the delegates who had been supporting its bid.
Instead of casting their votes for other nations vying for the hosting rights, Algeria urged these delegates to throw their support behind the joint application of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
But the heavy lifting was not solely on Algeria's shoulders. Morocco, a heavyweight in African football with substantial influence within the CAF executive committee, stepped into the spotlight.
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10:25 - 28.09.2023
FOOTBALL Revealed: Which nation will host the 2027 AFCON final
The three East African neighbours delivered a compelling case for them to be given the rights over other bids from Senegal, Egypt, Botswana and a joint bid from Nigeria and Benin.
With the power to sway crucial votes, Morocco used its diplomatic prowess to encourage committee members to choose the East Africa’s Pamoja bid.
Morocco's decision to support the East African bid was reportedly based on the strong and amicable relations it shares with these nations.
The Pamoja bid faced competition from Egypt – hosts in 2019, Senegal, Botswana and a joint bid from Nigeria and Benin.
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08:03 - 28.09.2023
PAMOJA BID ‘We have guarantee that everything will be okay’ - Motsepe on Pamoja Bid
The region’s collaborative dream to host the AFCON became a reality when Motsepe revealed the card confirming a CAF Executive Committee vote for the hosts of the tournament in 2027.
The 2027 AFCON will be the first time the tournament is held across three nations.
In addition to securing hosting rights, the 2027 announcement also carried the news that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania would gain automatic qualification for the tournament as hosts.
This decision signifies a historic chapter for the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), as the region prepares to host Africa for the first time since 1976 when Ethiopia hosted the championship.
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