The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially branded as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, is set to mark a significant milestone in African football. Scheduled from 1 to 28 February 2025, the tournament will be the 8th edition of the biennial event organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This edition stands out as the first-ever to be co-hosted by three nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Host Selection: A Dress Rehearsal for AFCON 2027
On 17 December 2023, CAF announced Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as co-hosts, symbolizing a collaboration among East African nations to deliver a world-class football experience. The tournament is also seen as a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing the region’s ability to host large-scale sporting events.
Venues: A Blend of Iconic and Modern Stadiums
Five stadiums across the three nations will host the matches, ensuring a mix of local culture and world-class facilities:
| Country | City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | Dar es Salaam | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | 60,000 |
| Tanzania | Zanzibar City | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
| Uganda | Kampala | Namboole Stadium | 45,000 |
| Kenya | Nairobi | Nyayo National Stadium | 18,000 |
| Kenya | Nairobi | Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 |
These venues reflect the growing football infrastructure in East Africa, providing fans with unforgettable matchday experiences.
Qualification Process
The qualification process began on 25 October 2024 and concluded on 29 December 2024, following procedures unveiled at CAF headquarters in Cairo on 9 September 2024.
- Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia qualified automatically for the tournament.
- However, Libya later withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, reducing the Northern Zone representation.
Qualified Teams
The following nations secured spots in the final tournament:
| Team | Zone | Finals Appearance | Previous Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Central Eastern Zone | 1st | Debut |
| Tanzania | Central Eastern Zone | 3rd | Group Stage (2009, 2020) |
| Uganda | Central Eastern Zone | 7th | Group Stage (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | Champions (2011) |
Anticipation for the Tournament
The 2024 CHAN will highlight local talent, featuring players exclusively drawn from domestic leagues. With Morocco and Tunisia as former champions, and debutants like Kenya looking to make their mark, the tournament promises a thrilling showcase of African football.
As the first co-hosted CHAN, it also emphasizes regional unity and the growing influence of East African nations in the footballing world. Fans across the continent eagerly await the Blue Beasts to light up the competition and set the stage for future continental tournaments.