The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially named the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship for sponsorship purposes, is set to be a landmark event in African football. Scheduled to run from 1 to 28 February 2025, this 8th edition of the biennial tournament, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will feature national teams composed exclusively of players active in their respective domestic leagues.
For the first time in history, the tournament will be co-hosted by three nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, showcasing a collaborative effort in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Host Selection
The decision to award hosting rights to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda was announced on 17 December 2023. The collaboration between these nations is viewed as a test case for multi-country hosting in Africa and an opportunity to showcase the region’s capacity to organize a major football event.
Tournament Venues
The tournament will utilize five venues across 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 |
These venues reflect a mix of modern facilities and rich football traditions, making them ideal stages for the tournament.
Qualification Process
The qualification phase for the 2024 CHAN began with a detailed unveiling at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on 9 September 2024. Matches took place between 25 October and 29 December 2024.
Notably, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia automatically qualified, but Libya later withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.
Qualified Teams
The following nations secured their place in the tournament:
| Team | Zone | Finals Appearance | Previous Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 1st | Debut |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 3rd | Group stage (2009, 2020) |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 7th | Group stage (2011–2022) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | Champions (2011) |
The inclusion of debutant Kenya alongside CHAN powerhouses like Morocco and Tunisia sets the stage for an exciting competition.
Looking Ahead
With the tournament just weeks away, anticipation is building for a championship that promises to elevate African football. The 2024 CHAN not only offers a platform for local talent to shine but also serves as a showcase of the region’s ability to host world-class football events.
Fans across the continent are gearing up for this historic tournament that celebrates the spirit of African football and regional cooperation.
