The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially referred to as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship for sponsorship purposes, marks the 8th edition of the biennial football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This tournament features national teams exclusively composed of players who play in their respective domestic leagues, showcasing local talent on a continental stage.
Historic Co-Hosting Arrangement
For the first time in CHAN history, the tournament will be hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Scheduled to take place from 1 to 28 February 2025, this edition also serves as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the three nations will co-host.
Host Selection and Venues
The decision to co-host the tournament was announced on 17 December 2023, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in preparing to host a major international football event.
Venues and Capacities
The matches will be played across five key stadiums in the three nations:
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | 60,000 |
| Tanzania (Zanzibar City) | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
| Uganda (Kampala) | Namboole Stadium | 45,000 |
| Kenya (Nairobi) | Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 |
| Kenya (Nairobi) | Nyayo National Stadium | 18,000 |
These venues will provide the stage for some of Africa’s most thrilling football action as teams vie for continental glory.
Qualification Process
The qualification process for the 2024 CHAN began on 25 October 2024 and concluded on 29 December 2024, following a schedule unveiled at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on 9 September 2024.
Automatic Qualifiers and Withdrawals
- Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia initially qualified automatically for the tournament.
- However, Libya withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, reducing the number of automatic qualifiers.
Qualified Teams
The following teams have secured their place in the tournament:
| Team | Zone | Finals Appearances | 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 (6 appearances) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | Champions (2011) |
Significance and Expectations
This historic CHAN edition is a milestone for African football, showcasing the ability of multiple nations to collaborate in hosting a major tournament. For Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, it is a unique opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to deliver a world-class event while promoting local talent.
With defending champions Morocco and past winners Tunisia in the mix, alongside debutants Kenya, fans can look forward to a blend of fresh talent and seasoned performers battling for continental supremacy.
