Uganda and Tanzania, co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) along with Kenya, are assessing their current footballing progress at the ongoing AFCON in Morocco, facing potential early elimination. Both nations have historically struggled in the tournament, highlighting the need for significant improvements before hosting the event.

• Uganda and Tanzania will likely need wins in their decisive group games on Tuesday against Nigeria and Tunisia, respectively, to have a chance at the last 16.
• Tanzanian coach Miguel Angel Gamondi stated, "My goal is to change the mentality, show we can compete... if we are 112 now then I hope in a short time we can be lower than 100," referring to their FIFA ranking.
• Tanzania, ranked 112th globally and 27th in Africa, has never won an AFCON match in their four appearances, while Uganda has only one victory in nine matches across three tournaments since 1978.
• Gamondi also highlighted that Tanzania's biggest challenges include the allowance of 12 foreign players in club teams, poor infrastructure, and a significant lack of youth development.
• Uganda's coach, Paul Put, emphasized building a young team for 2027: "For 2027 we have to be in good shape with good players."