The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially branded as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, marks the 8th edition of the biennial football competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This tournament is distinct in that it features national teams composed solely of players currently active in their respective domestic leagues. The event is scheduled to take place from 1 to 28 February 2025, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—a first in the history of CHAN.
Host Selection: A Dress Rehearsal for AFCON 2027
The decision to award hosting rights to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda was announced on 17 December 2023. The move is seen as a strategic dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, also set to be hosted by the same trio. This unprecedented co-hosting reflects CAF’s intent to promote regional collaboration and expand football infrastructure across East Africa.
Venues: A Showcase of Regional Football Arenas
Five stadiums across the three nations have been selected to host the matches, with capacities ranging from 18,000 to 60,000.
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | 60,000 |
| Uganda | Namboole Stadium | 45,000 |
| Kenya (Nairobi) | Nyayo National Stadium | 18,000 |
| Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 | |
| Tanzania (Zanzibar City) | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
These venues reflect a blend of modern football infrastructure and regional pride, providing an ideal stage for the tournament.
Qualification Process
The qualification phase was unveiled at CAF headquarters in Cairo on 9 September 2024 and ran from 25 October to 29 December 2024. Unlike most teams, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda automatically qualified as co-hosts. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses Morocco and Tunisia secured direct qualification based on previous performances.
However, Libya, also granted automatic qualification, withdrew citing scheduling conflicts.
Qualified Teams
| 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 (6 editions) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | 2014 | 2020 | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | 2011 | 2016 | Champions (2011) |
The tournament promises to feature a mix of debutants and seasoned participants, ensuring exciting matchups as teams vie for continental glory.
A New Chapter in African Football
As the 2024 CHAN approaches, it carries significant implications for African football. Beyond the competition, the tournament is an opportunity to showcase the footballing talent within domestic leagues and build regional partnerships. With the eyes of the continent and beyond on East Africa, the 2024 CHAN is set to be a defining moment in African sports.
