The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially known as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, promises to be a groundbreaking event in African football. Scheduled to run from 1 to 28 February 2025, this tournament marks the 8th edition of the biennial competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It is unique in its focus on national teams composed exclusively of players currently playing in their respective domestic leagues.
Historic Triple-Hosting
For the first time in CHAN history, the tournament will be hosted by three countries—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The co-hosting arrangement, announced on 17 December 2023, serves as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which is also set to be co-hosted by the three nations.
Venues
Five iconic stadiums across the three nations will host the tournament:
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 |
Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 | |
Zanzibar City, Tanzania | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
Qualification Process
The qualification procedures were unveiled on 9 September 2024 at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The qualification matches ran from 25 October to 29 December 2024, with the following highlights:
- Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia automatically qualified.
- Libya later withdrew, citing scheduling conflicts.
Qualified Teams
A total of 16 teams will compete in the tournament. The following teams have already secured their places:
Team | Zone | Finals Appearance | First Appearance | Last Appearance | Previous 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 (multiple years) |
Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | 2014 | 2020 | Champions (2018, 2020) |
Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | 2011 | 2016 | Champions (2011) |
What to Expect
This edition of CHAN will not only showcase the best domestic talent in African football but also set the stage for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. With the inclusion of experienced champions like Morocco and Tunisia alongside debutant Kenya, the tournament promises a blend of fresh energy and seasoned competition.
Fans can look forward to thrilling matches, vibrant host cities, and a celebration of African football culture. The 2024 CHAN is set to leave an indelible mark on the continent’s sporting history.
