AFCON: Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye faces intense backlash after 'No roads' comment

Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye has set off a storm online after claiming Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania lack the infrastructure to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking at a press conference, Gaye questioned the region’s readiness for the expanded tournament, warning that poor roads and long travel times between host countries could lower the standards set by recent hosts like Morocco.

“AFCON is heading to three East African countries where I already have been. No roads within the countries. Some of my colleagues told me that from one country to another, it can take two days to drive,” he said, adding that CAF could withdraw hosting rights if preparations fall short.

Gaye later said he did not intend to offend but hoped to push host nations toward better planning, citing Morocco’s modern stadiums, transport systems, and accommodations as benchmarks.

Some of these journalists don't even deserve to be called journalists. Which East Africa has he been to and which one has his friends told him about? Just visit and verify for yourself Mamadou Gaye pic.twitter.com/dX7BrkjSNg

— Sanaipei M (@Sanaipei_Cutie) January 18, 2026

His remarks, however, drew sharp criticism from Kenyan football fans, journalists, and sports stakeholders.

Harambee Stars Head Coach Benni McCarthy was among those who dismissed his claims. 

“I completely and utterly disagree with Mamadou on this one. Kenya is absolutely beautiful and fully capable of hosting any major tournament, together with Tanzania and Uganda. This is a very ignorant opinion, Mr Mamadou,” he said. 

Online, the reactions were no different. 

Many accused him of misrepresenting East Africa’s infrastructure.

“Saying Kenya and Uganda don’t have roads to host AFCON isn’t journalism — it’s illiteracy with a press badge,” one user wrote.

"Kenya has roads, but the quality of those roads is a different story altogether. A 200km trip that should ordinarily take less than two hours takes close to four hours, and that’s if you drive like a maniac," another added.

Others highlighted that AFCON tournaments rely heavily on air travel, pointing to international airports, domestic flights, and ongoing infrastructure projects in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam.

Critics also noted Kenya has previously hosted major continental and international sporting events, including the World Rally Championship, which demands high-level logistical coordination.

While acknowledging that infrastructure work continues, many insist the region is unfairly judged and that AFCON 2027 should be assessed based on actual progress, not outdated stereotypes.

The 2027 tournament will be the first to be hosted jointly by three countries, with governments already upgrading stadiums, transport, and hospitality facilities to meet CAF standards.