With less than a year to go until the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027, Tanzania midfielder Feisal Salum has spoken with belief and excitement about what the tournament could mean for the region as East Africa prepares for a historic moment on the continental stage.
Speaking to CAF Online, Salum reflected on the announcement that the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, describing it as a defining moment for players and supporters across the region.
“It was an extraordinary moment for the country and for us as players. It is a huge honour. We want to use this opportunity to show the world what Tanzania is capable of. We want to prove that we can achieve great things. Our goal is to make the nation proud and build on what we showed at the last AFCON,” Salum said.
He acknowledged that hosting such a major competition brings pressure, but insisted the team must transform expectation into motivation as they prepare to play in front of home fans, including at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
“We understand that hosting a tournament of this magnitude naturally comes with enormous pressure. But our approach is to turn pressure into enjoyment. We must use the passion and support around us to push ourselves beyond our limits, go as far as possible, reach the semi-finals and, why not, dream of lifting the trophy,” he said.
Salum also pointed to Tanzania’s recent progress on the continental stage, saying the team has grown in confidence after its performances in Morocco and now carries higher expectations heading into 2027.
“In Morocco, we surprised many people, but it was our supporters who carried us to those heights. That experience helped us grow. This time, with the tournament at home, we want to aim even higher. Winning the title is in God’s hands. Sometimes destiny chooses another team. But one thing is certain – we will give everything we have,” he said.
With the tournament set to be staged under the banner of PAMOJA, meaning togetherness, Salum highlighted both unity and rivalry among East African nations, saying the shared hosting brings pride while competition on the pitch will remain intense.
“It’s a bit of both. We have always been neighbours and there is a strong bond, especially with Kenya. This unity gives us strength and brings support from governments and people across the region.
But on the pitch, let’s not hide it – the rivalry is real. There is great competition between our nations. If we face Kenya, it will be a huge occasion, a true brotherly battle. But it is a healthy rivalry, one that exists for the love of football and to give supporters a great spectacle. At the end of the day, we want the whole world to see the beauty of East African football. We will proudly represent our colours with the support of an entire people behind us,” he said.
Asked which opponents he would most like to face, Salum named some of Africa’s biggest sides, saying those are the matches players look forward to most.
“(Without hesitation) I would love to face Morocco, Senegal or Côte d’Ivoire. To play against those teams at home in front of our supporters would be magical. They have fantastic players and world-class attackers. Those are the kinds of matches every footballer dreams about,” he said.
He ended with a message to fans across the continent, urging strong support and unity as East Africa prepares to welcome Africa for a landmark tournament.
“AFCON is the pinnacle of football on the continent. By opening our doors to Africa, we want to tell our story and share our culture and hospitality. This is a unique opportunity for all of us to celebrate together. That is why I encourage our supporters and fans from across the region to come out in large numbers. Not only for the matches, but even for the training sessions. Create a festive atmosphere and show the world our joy and unity. This celebration belongs to all of us, and together, hand in hand, we will make it unforgettable,” he said.
