The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially known as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship due to sponsorship, marks the 8th edition of this prestigious biennial football event organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). For the first time in the tournament’s history, the competition will be hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, from 1 to 28 February 2025.
This unique arrangement sets the stage for a thrilling football extravaganza, featuring teams composed solely of players active in their respective domestic leagues.
Host Selection: A Historic Decision
On 17 December 2023, CAF announced Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as the co-hosts for the tournament. This decision serves as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be hosted by the East African trio.
Venues: The Stages of Glory
The tournament will unfold across five iconic stadiums in the three host countries:
| 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 process for the tournament was unveiled at CAF’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on 9 September 2024. The matches ran from 25 October to 29 December 2024, with Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia qualifying automatically. However, Libya later withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, reducing the number of automatic qualifiers.
Qualified Teams
The following teams will participate in the 2024 CHAN tournament:
| Team | Zone | Date of Qualification | Finals Appearance | First Appearance | Last Appearance | Best Performance | FIFA Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 1st | None | None | Debut | TBD |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 3rd | 2009 | 2020 | Group stage (2009, 2020) | TBD |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 7th | 2011 | 2022 | Group stage (multiple years) | TBD |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 5th | 2014 | 2020 | Champions (2018, 2020) | TBD |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 3rd | 2011 | 2016 | Champions (2011) | TBD |
Anticipation for a Unique Edition
The 2024 CHAN will be a landmark event, not just for its unprecedented hosting arrangement but also for the level of competition it promises. With established powerhouses like Morocco and Tunisia joining debutants like Kenya, the tournament is poised to captivate football fans across the continent and beyond.
As the participating nations prepare to showcase their domestic talents, the 2024 CHAN represents an exciting chapter in African football history, blending tradition with innovation on a truly continental stage.
