The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially known as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, marks the 8th edition of this prestigious biennial football tournament. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament exclusively features national teams composed of players from local leagues. Scheduled to take place from 1 to 28 February 2025, this edition will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, making it the first CHAN tournament to be co-hosted by three nations.
Host Selection: A Regional Collaboration
The co-hosting announcement was made on 17 December 2023, positioning the event as a preparatory rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be hosted in the region. The collaborative hosting is a testament to East Africa’s growing prominence in African football and its ability to handle large-scale tournaments.
Venues and Capacity
The tournament will utilize five venues across the three host nations, showcasing a blend of modern facilities and vibrant football atmospheres.
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania – Dar es Salaam | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | 60,000 |
| Uganda – Kampala | Namboole Stadium | 45,000 |
| Kenya – Nairobi | Nyayo National Stadium | 18,000 |
| Kenya – Nairobi | Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 |
| Tanzania – Zanzibar City | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
Qualification Overview
The qualification process, unveiled on 9 September 2024 at CAF headquarters in Cairo, ran from 25 October to 29 December 2024. Three teams—Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia—were granted automatic qualification due to their strong regional standings. However, Libya later withdrew, citing scheduling conflicts.
Qualified Teams
The following teams have secured their spots for the 2024 CHAN tournament:
| Team | Zone | Finals Appearance | First Appearance | Last Appearance | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 1st | None | None | Debut |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 3rd | 2009 | 2020 | Group stage (2009, 2020) |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 7th | 2011 | 2022 | Group stage (2011–2022) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | 2014 | 2020 | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | 2011 | 2016 | Champions (2011) |
Looking Ahead
The 2024 CHAN promises to be a landmark event, not just for its tri-nation hosting arrangement but also for the opportunity it provides to showcase East Africa’s footballing infrastructure and passion. With top teams like Morocco and Tunisia joining regional favorites Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the tournament is set to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
All eyes will be on the hosts to see if they can leverage home advantage and make a mark in their debut performances while seasoned teams aim to maintain their dominance. The countdown to an exhilarating football spectacle has begun!
