The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has finally received the joint bid from the East African region to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Nation Sports, the bid from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania was received by Caf General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba in Cairo, Egypt on Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are jointly seeking the opportunity to host the 2027 edition in the region with the strong support of their heads of state. On Monday in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni threw his weight behind the bid insisting it will boost the region’s economic fortunes.

Read Also: Museveni welcomes East Africa bid to co-host Afcon 2027

“I have received Uganda’s Afcon 2027 joint bid with Kenya and Tanzania [EAC Pamoja bid]. Sports is good for health, entertainment and now, more so business,” Museveni told reporters while receiving the bid at State House on Monday.

“Therefore, for East Africa to come together to invite the African Cup of Nations here is very good. It will promote our countries and tourism will also increase.”

FKF President Nick Mwendwa is confident the region will finally get the chance to stage the tournament, by stating: “We have had virtual meetings every two days and the three ministers [Ababu Namwamba of Kenya, Peter Ogwang of Uganda and Pindi Chana of Tanzania] have attended all meetings. That is why I am very optimistic this time we can do it.”

Three weeks ago, Kenya President William Ruto received the bid at State House from Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officials led by Mwendwa.

Ruto immediately vowed to lobby for the tournament to come to the region for the first time in history.

Apart from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Caf has acknowledged receiving a declaration of interest from Algeria, Botswana, and Egypt to stage the continental showpiece.