Sports
East African Hosts Make History as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda All Reach CHAN 2024 Quarter-Finals
For the first time in the history of CAF competitions, three co-hosting nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—have simultaneously advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, sending a powerful message of unity, ambition, and regional pride across East Africa. The unprecedented achievement has captivated football fans and injected a renewed sense of optimism for the future of the game in the region.
This edition of CHAN is unique, marking the first time the tournament has been co-hosted by three countries. Now, all three hosts have not only participated but excelled, advancing to the knockout stages together—a feat that perfectly embodies the tournament’s “Pamoja” spirit, a Swahili word meaning “together.” The collective success of the hosts has turned the spotlight on East African football and is creating an atmosphere of celebration and hope across the three nations.
Kenya: From Debutants to Group Leaders
Kenya, making their CHAN debut, entered the tournament with modest expectations. However, the Harambee Stars surprised the continent by dramatically topping Group A. Their decisive moment came on Sunday at Kasarani Stadium when Ryan Ogam’s 75th-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory over Zambia. That win gave Kenya 10 points, enough to finish ahead of former champions Morocco.
Ryan Wesley Rabok Ogam of Kenya celebrates a goal with teammates during the Caf 2024 Nations Championship CHAN match between Zambia and Kenya
Under the guidance of coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya has displayed disciplined defensive organisation, rapid counter-attacks, and clinical finishing, earning widespread praise for both their tactical approach and fighting spirit. Packed stadiums at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, have provided the team with immense support, generating one of the most electric atmospheres in the tournament so far. The Harambee Stars now await a challenging quarter-final clash against Madagascar on Friday evening, a fixture expected to be fiercely contested and showcase East African football at its best.
Tanzania: Attacking Flair and Consistency
Tanzania, competing in Group B, have been equally impressive. The Taifa Stars cruised to the top of their group with 10 points, winning three of their four matches and only dropping points in a dead-rubber clash against the Central African Republic. Tanzania’s performances have been characterised by attacking flair, tactical discipline, and solid team cohesion, making them one of the most entertaining teams of the tournament.
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam has consistently drawn passionate crowds, with local fans providing unwavering support throughout the group stage. The Taifa Stars will face Morocco on Friday in what is expected to be a high-stakes, high-intensity quarter-final clash that could further cement Tanzania’s growing reputation on the continental stage.
Uganda: A Historic Breakthrough
For Uganda, reaching the quarter-finals represents a long-awaited milestone. The Cranes had never progressed beyond the group stage in their six previous CHAN appearances, often falling short despite strong individual talent and fan support. This year, resilience and determination carried them through.
Joel Sserunjogi of Uganda Cranes celebrates a goal with teammates during the 2024 African Nations Championship CHAN football match between Uganda and Niger
Their decisive group match against South Africa was a rollercoaster. Uganda initially took the lead through Jude Ssemugabi, only for South Africa to respond with three goals and seemingly seize control. With the match slipping away, Rogers Torach calmly converted a stoppage-time penalty, securing a dramatic 3-3 draw that sent jubilant scenes across Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium. That crucial point propelled Uganda to the top of Group C and guaranteed their first-ever spot in the knockout stages. The Cranes will host the runners-up of Group D on Saturday night, giving local fans another opportunity to celebrate this historic achievement.
Pamoja Spirit: Unity and Regional Pride
The 2024 CHAN has become a festival of football, not just for individual nations but for East Africa as a whole. The decision to spread the tournament across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda has been validated by passionate local support and the success of all three hosts. The “Pamoja” spirit resonates beyond the pitch, inspiring a sense of shared achievement and regional camaraderie.
With the quarter-finals set to be played in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala, stadiums are expected to be packed once again, promising thrilling matches and unforgettable atmospheres. Fans across East Africa are now dreaming big, buoyed by the unprecedented success of their home teams.
Quarter-Final Fixtures:
Friday, 22 August 2025
- 17:00 – Kenya vs Madagascar (Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi)
- 20:00 – Tanzania vs Morocco (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)
Saturday, 23 August 2025
- 17:00 – Winners Group D vs Algeria (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
- 20:00 – Uganda vs Runners-up Group D (Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)
The journey of the East African hosts in CHAN 2024 demonstrates that when nations come together, embrace ambition, and harness local support, football becomes more than just a game—it becomes a symbol of unity, hope, and regional pride. This quarter-final stage promises to take that spirit to even greater heights.
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