The vibrant pulse of African football is about to quicken as East Africa stands ready to host a truly historic event: the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN). From August 2 to August 30, football enthusiasts across the continent will turn their gaze towards Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, as these three nations collectively stage the tournament for the very first time. This collaborative hosting arrangement is not merely a celebration of football; it’s a powerful statement of regional unity and a crucial dress rehearsal for the even grander stage of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be held across these same East African territories.
For those less familiar with the continental football calendar, CHAN offers a unique and compelling spectacle. Unlike its more widely known sibling, the Africa Cup of Nations, CHAN is exclusively dedicated to showcasing players who ply their trade in their home country’s domestic leagues. This distinctive format shines a spotlight on local talent, providing an invaluable platform for homegrown stars to gain international exposure, elevate their profiles, and inspire a new generation of footballers right within their own communities. It’s a tournament that truly celebrates the roots of African football, highlighting the strength and depth of national leagues.
The tri-nation hosting model for CHAN 2024 strategically distributes key matches across East Africa. Tanzania has the prestigious honour of staging the tournament's opening match, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying month of football. Uganda will host the crucial third-place playoff, a battle for bronze that often delivers unexpected drama. All eyes, however, will culminate in Kenya, which has been designated to host the highly anticipated final match, a fitting climax to this groundbreaking event. This shared responsibility not only fosters a sense of collective ownership but also serves as a critical logistical and infrastructural test ahead of the larger-scale AFCON 2027.
Nineteen national teams, representing the diverse footballing landscape of Africa, have qualified for CHAN 2024. These formidable squads are divided into three fiercely competitive groups, each poised to deliver intense match-ups. Group A features hosts Kenya alongside continental powerhouses Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia – a challenging start for the Kenyan side on home soil. In Group B, Tanzania will face off against Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, with home advantage potentially playing a significant role. Meanwhile, Group C will see co-hosts Uganda battle Niger, Guinea, Algeria, and South Africa, promising a blend of tactical prowess and raw African talent. Each group will play its matches in one of the host countries, with the top teams eagerly vying for advancement into the high-stakes knockout stages. As the countdown to August 2nd intensifies, excitement is palpable across East Africa and indeed, the entire continent.
