The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially known as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship for sponsorship reasons, will mark the 8th edition of this prestigious biennial football tournament. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN uniquely features national teams comprising players from their respective local leagues, showcasing domestic talent across Africa.
Scheduled to take place from 1 to 28 February 2025, this edition is set to make history as the first CHAN tournament hosted by three nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Host Selection
The hosting rights were awarded to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda on 17 December 2023. This decision serves as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, further cementing East Africa’s growing prominence in continental football.
Tournament Venues
The championship will take place across five venues in the three host nations:
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | 60,000 |
| Zanzibar City, Tanzania | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
| Kampala, Uganda | Namboole Stadium | 45,000 |
| Nairobi, Kenya | Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 |
| Nairobi, Kenya | Nyayo National Stadium | 18,000 |
The tournament will bring fans to some of East Africa’s most iconic footballing venues, providing an opportunity to showcase the region’s hospitality and football passion.
Qualification Process
The qualification procedures were revealed on 9 September 2024 at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The qualifiers ran from 25 October to 29 December 2024, with Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia initially securing automatic qualification. However, Libya later withdrew due to a scheduling conflict.
Qualified Teams
The following teams have booked their places for the tournament:
| Team | Zone | Date of Qualification | Finals Appearances | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 1st (Debut) | None |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 3rd | Group stage (2009, 2020) |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 7th | Group stage (multiple years) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 5th | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 3rd | Champions (2011) |
The co-host nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—will represent the Central Eastern Zone, with each country keen to leave a mark in the competition. Morocco and Tunisia, former champions, enter as strong contenders, boasting rich CHAN histories.
Significance of the 2024 CHAN
This edition not only highlights the unity of East Africa in hosting a continental event but also sets a precedent for multi-nation collaboration in CAF tournaments. It provides an opportunity for local players to shine on an international stage, fueling the growth of football in their respective countries.
With the Africa Nations Championship serving as a platform for domestic talent, fans across the continent eagerly await what promises to be a memorable tournament.
