Given the clamour to watch games in Nairobi, Kenya eventually established fan parks where supporters without tickets could view matches.
Former Tottenham midfielder Wanyama lauded the tournament’s “good social media” presence, but wants more viewing locations to be provided for ticketless fans.
“In future fan zones should be in place from early in the tournament because, as you saw in Nairobi, fans really wanted to come into the stadium,” Wanyama told BBC Swahili.
“Also, the zones shouldn’t be only in Nairobi but other areas in the country, because football fans aren’t only in Nairobi.”
The Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar coped well after its late addition as a host venue, but Tanzanian football commentator Juma Ayo rated his homeland as “six out of 10” when it came to staging.
“Logistically, Tanzania did well on security for visiting teams and fans, and our hospitality was very good,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
However, supporters in Tanzania will need to learn about e-ticketing platforms before Afcon.
“There was not much demand for tickets online because many people weren’t familiar with the process,” Ayo explained.
“Kenya are at a higher level in [internet] usage. Going forward fans in Tanzania will need to be educated on online ticketing, because many fans would rather buy physical tickets at the gate.”
Uganda’s sole venue was the Mandela National Stadium, and the feeling in Kampala and beyond was that the nation was “shortchanged” after being overlooked for both the opening game and the final.
“Probably next time (in 2027) the first match of each country should also be an opening ceremony to showcase their culture,” journalist Fred Mwambu said.
