Why Are East African Teams Lagging in AFCON 2025?
East African teams, particularly those from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, are grappling with challenges as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This region’s football history is marked by both potential and setbacks, raising questions about their performance on the continental stage.
Historical Context of East African Football
The upcoming tournament is significant as Uganda and Tanzania meet for only the sixth time in AFCON history on December 27, 2025. Their last encounter in this context was in 2019. At the same time, the 2027 AFCON will mark the first time this tournament returns to East Africa since it was hosted in Ethiopia in 1976.
East African nations have won AFCON just twice: Ethiopia in 1962 and Sudan in 1970, both when they were hosting. Uganda last reached the finals in 1978, but since then, their performance has waned.
Current Performance and Challenges
As the tournament draws near, several factors contribute to East Africa’s struggles in football:
- Lack of Investment: There has been limited financial backing for local clubs and development programs.
- Cultural Priorities: East Africa is renowned for distance running, overshadowing interests in football.
- Infrastructure Issues: Poor weather conditions in Kenya hinder training and match preparation, despite improvements in playing surfaces.
Kenya’s football faced a setback when it was banned from global competitions in 2022 over financial mismanagement. A new federation has since taken charge, but recovery will take time. Meanwhile, Uganda’s football scene is praised for developing talent through better organized leagues and successful academies.
Tanzania and Uganda: Progress and Partnerships
Tanzania’s football league is emerging, with clubs like Young Africans and Simba gaining recognition. These teams have routinely qualified for continental competitions, raising the profile of Tanzanian football. Cooperation between clubs and national teams is fostering a competitive spirit.
Conversely, Uganda is seen as a resilient contender with strong potential. Their head coach, Paul Put, is credited with enhancing team performance and developing pathways for players to advance to international stages.
Looking Forward to AFCON 2025
The expectations for AFCON 2025 are mixed. As co-hosts, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have the opportunity to showcase their footballing growth. A well-executed tournament could bolster their reputations and inspire future generations of footballers.
- Key Upcoming Matches: Uganda is set to face Tunisia, while Tanzania prepares to meet Nigeria.
- Previous Encounters: Notable past matches include Uganda’s close contests in previous championships.
The road to reviving East African football is long, but ambitions remain alive. This AFCON could be a pivotal moment for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as they strive to emerge from the shadows into the spotlight of African football.
