25 Days to Kickoff: East Africa Poised for Groundbreaking CHAN 2024 Tournament

In just 25 days, East Africa will burst into a vibrant football frenzy as the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicks off, marking a historic moment for continental football. For the first time in the tournament’s history, three nations – Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania- will jointly host the eighth edition of this unique competition, which exclusively features players plying their trade in their respective national domestic leagues.

The decision to award the 2024 CHAN to the East African trio, formalized on December 17, 2023, is not merely about showcasing local talent; it serves as a crucial precursor and dress rehearsal for the much-anticipated Afcon 2027, which will also be co-hosted by these very same nations. This unprecedented shared hosting responsibility underscores a growing spirit of regional collaboration and a significant vote of confidence from CAF in East Africa’s burgeoning football infrastructure and organizational capabilities.

Unlike the widely recognized Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which features Africa’s biggest stars from global leagues, CHAN puts the spotlight squarely on homegrown talent.⁴ It’s a platform designed to elevate domestic leagues, give local players international exposure, and showcase the depth of footballing prowess within African nations’ own borders.⁵ This focus provides a unique viewing experience, highlighting the raw passion and skill developed on home soil.

The tournament will explode into action on August 2nd at the impressive Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the hosts battling Burkina Faso in the opening fixture.⁶ The climax will be reached on August 30th at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi, Kenya, where the champions will be crowned.

Uganda’s iconic Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, recently revitalized, is set to play a pivotal role, hosting the thrilling 3rd place playoff match a day before the grand final, ensuring a significant share of the continental spotlight falls on Kampala.

Expanded Competition, Fierce Groupings

This edition of CHAN will witness an expanded field, with 19 nations vying for the coveted trophy, divided into four intriguing groups. Groups A, B, and C each feature five teams, while Group D comprises four. Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, setting the stage for intense competition from the very first whistle.

Among the formidable contenders are defending champions Senegal, record two-time winners DR Congo, and footballing giants Morocco. Adding to the excitement are debutants Kenya and the Central African Republic, eager to make their mark on the continental stage.

Here’s a look at the groups that will ignite the passion of fans across East Africa and beyond:

• Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia (Hosted in Nairobi, Kenya)¹⁰
• Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic (Hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania & Zanzibar)
• Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa (Hosted in Kampala, Uganda)
• Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria (Hosted in Zanzibar, Tanzania)

The host stadiums, meticulously prepared for the tournament, promise world-class venues for the action:

• Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (60,000 seats)
• Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya (60,000 seats)
• Mandela National Stadium, Kampala, Uganda (42,000 seats)
• Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar, Tanzania (15,000 seats)

As the countdown reaches its final stretch, anticipation is building for a tournament that promises not only thrilling football but also a powerful demonstration of East African unity and its growing capacity to host major international sporting events. All eyes are now on August 2nd, when the journey to crown Africa’s best homegrown talent begins.