Big Changes and Bold Hopes for CHAN 2024
So, the CHAN 2024 tournament isn’t just another African football competition—it’s the biggest one yet for players who only ply their trade at home. Set for August 2 to 30, 2025, after an unexpected delay, this edition takes the stage in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It's a big deal: three nations, nineteen teams, four groups, five stadiums, and football fans everywhere looking for new heroes.
Why the delay? Well, the organizers realized they couldn’t pull it off by February as stadiums and hospitals just weren’t ready to handle a tournament of this scale. Give them credit—rather than risk a flop, they spent extra months upgrading venues and making sure the event would showcase East Africa’s progress and passion for football. Now every venue meets CAF’s standards, and everyone’s hoping to see a smooth tournament both on and off the pitch.
Who’s Playing, Where, and When?
This year’s CHAN didn’t just up the headcount; the format itself is a shift. The tournament splits into four groups: three with five teams apiece and one with four teams. Let’s break down the groups and their playgrounds:
- Group A (Nairobi, Kenya): DR Congo, Morocco, Zambia, Kenya, Angola
- Group B (Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania): Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Tanzania, Mauritania
- Group C (Kampala, Uganda): Uganda, Algeria, South Africa, Niger, Guinea
- Group D (various venues): Sudan, Senegal, Nigeria, Congo
Kenyans kick things off at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Center with a tough opener against DR Congo, who have a serious track record in CHAN. Through August, you’ll see headline clashes like Kenya vs Morocco and Algeria facing Niger, all leading up to knockout matches that begin at the end of the month. Every team fields only their best home-based stars—no imports from Europe or Asia—guaranteeing a pure test of local league strength and fresh faces in the continental spotlight.
Here’s a quick peek at the key dates:
- Group games: August 3–25, 2025
- Quarterfinals: August 22–23
- Semifinals: August 26–27
- Third place game: August 29
- Final: August 30 (Nairobi)
If you’re rooting for records, keep your eye on DR Congo and Morocco. Both have lifted the CHAN trophy twice and enter with big expectations. Other names to watch include defending champs Senegal, always-steady Nigeria, and host nation Kenya hoping for a dream run at home. History does repeat: expect old rivalries to reignite and new stories to unfold.
The man leading tournament operations is Souleymane Dicko, the CAF-appointed director. Top African referees are set to take charge, while match balls and fancy football gear come straight from CAF’s own equipment partners. The organizers are eager to keep everything up to international standards, hoping to win over critics who doubted the region’s readiness just months ago.
If you’re planning to catch the action in person, tickets go from $5 for the average seat up to $50 for the prime spots when the trophy’s on the line. Fans anywhere else can tune in on SuperSport in Africa, beIN Sports across the Middle East and North America, Canal+ for French viewers, ESPN in the US, and, for everyone else, CAF’s official YouTube channel has you sorted. That means you really won’t miss a moment, no matter where you are in the world.
So, it’s a fresh start for East Africa, a chance for local stars to make their mark, and a serious test for countries who have waited years to show the continent (and the world) they can host a football party for the ages.
sarthak malik
August 13, 2025 AT 18:44Great to see CHAN finally getting the green light in East Africa-this will give a huge boost to local talent. The upgraded venues should make for a smooth tournament and plenty of memorable moments.
Nasrin Saning
August 20, 2025 AT 17:26It's wonderful that the tournament is spread across Kenya Tanzania and Uganda it really brings the region together and offers fans a chance to celebrate homegrown talent
gaganpreet singh
August 27, 2025 AT 16:08The decision to postpone CHAN until 2025 reveals a troubling lack of foresight among the organizers.
While the official narrative praises the extra months spent on stadium upgrades, one must ask whether those resources could have been allocated more responsibly elsewhere.
The postponement has already disrupted the preparation cycles of numerous domestic leagues, which now face a congested calendar.
Moreover, the claim that hospitals were not ready borders on sensationalism, as many regional medical facilities have been improving steadily over the past decade.
By delaying the tournament, the Confederation of African Football also jeopardizes sponsorship agreements that depend on strict timelines.
The host nations-Kenya Tanzania and Uganda-must now bear the financial burden of additional maintenance costs without guaranteed returns.
Fans, who were eager to travel and support their local heroes, are left with uncertainty and potentially wasted travel plans.
The emphasis on "homegrown" players, though noble in principle, risks marginalizing expatriate talent that could elevate the overall quality of play.
A truly competitive CHAN should balance local development with realistic assessments of where the best performances will emerge.
The scheduling of group matches from early August to late August compresses recovery periods, increasing injury risks for athletes.
While the organizers boast compliance with CAF standards, the rapid turnaround leaves little room for thorough testing of security and logistical protocols.
The inclusion of five stadiums across three countries may strain broadcasting capabilities, leading to uneven coverage for viewers.
Additionally, the ticket pricing structure, ranging from $5 to $50, might seem affordable but does not account for the economic disparities within host communities.
In the long run, this hasty reorganization could undermine the credibility of future CHAN editions if lessons are not learned.
Ultimately, a tournament of this magnitude demands meticulous planning, transparent communication, and a genuine commitment to elevating African football beyond mere spectacle.
Urmil Pathak
September 3, 2025 AT 14:50The points about scheduling and player welfare are spot on and worth considering by the organizers.
Neha Godambe
September 10, 2025 AT 13:31While I appreciate the enthusiasm surrounding the tournament, we must not overlook the logistical challenges that have already emerged. The host nations should prioritize reliable transportation and security measures to protect both players and supporters. Any failure in these areas would reflect poorly on the entire continent's capacity to host major events.
rupesh kantaria
September 17, 2025 AT 12:13It is undeniable that CHAN 2024 presents a unique opportunity for domestic leagues to showcase their reknowned talents. However, the organisers must ensure that all aspects of the event, from accommodation to medical services, are executed with precision; otherwise the spectacle may be marred by avoidable oversights. The success of this endeavour will defiantly hinge upon meticulous coordination.
Nathan Tuon
September 24, 2025 AT 10:55Seeing the tournament spread across three nations is a promising sign of regional unity; let’s hope the matches ignite passion among young players. The exposure they’ll gain could spark the next generation of homegrown stars.
shivam Agarwal
October 1, 2025 AT 09:36The decision to involve multiple venues will likely foster cross‑border camaraderie and enhance the fan experience. It’s encouraging to watch East Africa step onto the continental stage with such ambition.
MD Imran Ansari
October 8, 2025 AT 08:18What an exciting lineup! 🎉🏟️ From Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, the stadiums are set to roar with fresh talent and vibrant energy. Let’s cheer for every underdog and celebrate the beautiful game together! 🌍⚽
walaal sanjay
October 15, 2025 AT 07:00Frankly, this tournament is a testament to African resilience, to the unyielding spirit of its peoples, and to the continent’s capacity to host world‑class events, and we should all take pride in that, because nothing compares to the passion displayed on these pitches, and the dedication of the local fans, and the sheer talent emerging from home‑grown leagues.