The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is fast approaching, promising a landmark 8th edition that not only expands the competition’s legacy but also marks several historic milestones for the continent and the East African region. This year’s tournament is scheduled to run from August 2 to 30, 2025
Founded in 2009 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN is a biennial tournament that exclusively features players who are active in their country’s domestic leagues. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, no foreign-based players are eligible, making CHAN a true celebration of homegrown talent and local football ecosystems.
This year’s tournament is particularly significant for Kenya, which will be making its debut appearance on home soil. The Harambee Stars will have the opportunity to showcase their locally based players in front of home fans, offering a unique chance to connect the national team to the grassroots and domestic leagues that shape them.
CHAN 2024 introduces a number of firsts. It is the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is also the first time the competition is being staged in East Africa.
In addition, the 2024 championship will act as a test run and curtain raiser for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in the East African region in 2027. The tournament will also welcome another first-time participant, the Central African Republic.
This edition of CHAN features 19 teams—a unique number resulting from Libya’s withdrawal after qualifying, due to scheduling conflicts. As a result, the tournament will adopt a four-group format: Groups A, B, and C will each have five teams, while Group D will comprise four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, after which the tournament will proceed to the semi-finals, third-place playoff, and final.
Senegal enters the competition as the reigning champions, while Morocco and DR Congo hold the distinction of being the most successful nations in CHAN history, having won the tournament twice each.
Groups at a Glance
Group A
Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia
Group B
Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic
Group C
Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa
Group D
Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria
All group A matches will be hosted in Kenya split between Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums. For Kenya, the significance of this moment cannot be overstated as all of Harambee Stars’ group matches will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani—the same venue where Kenya reached the football final of the 1987 All Africa Games.
Kasarani will also host a quarter-final match, the tournament’s final, and the official closing ceremony. The symbolism of playing at home, in a familiar stadium steeped in national history, adds an emotional layer to Harambee’s participation.
Stadiums Hosting CHAN 2024
- Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi – 48,063 capacity
- Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi – 19,000 capacity
- Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam – 60,000 capacity
- Mandela National Stadium, Kampala – 45,000 capacity
- Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar – 15,000 capacity
CHAN 2024 is more than just another football tournament; it is a celebration of African football at its purest, where national pride, raw potential, and domestic passion take center stage. For Kenya and the entire East African region, it offers an opportunity to showcase world-class organization, passionate support, and a renewed commitment to nurturing talent from within.
To view the full Match Schedule: CLICK HERE
Also Read: Coach Benni McCarthy Names Provisional Squad for CHAN 2024