The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially known as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, is set to be an unprecedented event in the history of African football. Scheduled from 1 to 28 February 2025, the tournament will feature national teams composed exclusively of players currently competing in their respective domestic leagues. For the first time, three nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—will co-host the tournament, marking a new chapter in the competition’s legacy.
Host Selection: A Precursor to AFCON 2027
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the joint hosting arrangement on 17 December 2023, selecting Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This decision serves as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is also slated to be hosted by the East African region.
Venues: Showcasing East Africa’s Best
The matches will be played across five venues in the three host countries:
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | 60,000 |
| Kampala, Uganda | Namboole Stadium | 45,000 |
| Nairobi, Kenya | Nyayo National Stadium | 18,000 |
| Nairobi, Kenya | Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 |
| Zanzibar City, Tanzania | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
These venues highlight the region’s readiness to host major continental tournaments, with their capacities ranging from the intimate 18,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium to the expansive 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Qualification Process and Teams
The qualification process, unveiled on 9 September 2024 at CAF headquarters in Cairo, ran from 25 October to 29 December 2024. Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia automatically qualified but Libya later withdrew, citing scheduling conflicts.
Qualified Teams
| Team | Zone | Finals Appearance | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | Debut | None |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 3rd | Group Stage (2009, 2020) |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 7th | Group Stage (multiple years) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | Champions (2011) |
The co-hosts—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—automatically qualified, representing the East African region. Notably, Morocco enters the tournament as a two-time champion (2018, 2020), while Tunisia will aim to replicate their success from 2011.
Significance of the 2024 CHAN
This edition marks a watershed moment in African football:
- First multi-nation hosting: Demonstrates CAF’s commitment to regional collaboration.
- Increased competition: With strong teams like Morocco and Tunisia in the mix, the tournament promises high-quality football.
- East Africa’s football renaissance: A chance for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to showcase their growing football infrastructure and talent.
As February 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on the host nations to deliver an unforgettable tournament that elevates CHAN to new heights.
