The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, branded under the theme Pamoja, Swahili for “together” is set to crown its champion this Saturday at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, marking the grand conclusion of a month-long football celebration that has united East Africa and captured the continent’s imagination.
Co-hosted for the first time in history by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the tournament has showcased the depth of local football talent across Africa while highlighting the power of regional cooperation.
For the three host nations, CHAN 2024 has not only been about competition but also about preparing for the future, serving as a rehearsal ahead of their joint hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The journey began earlier this month, when Tanzania opened the curtain-raiser against Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, while Uganda welcomed Algeria to the revamped Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Kenya, making its tournament debut under head coach Benni McCarthy, was placed in a challenging Group A alongside Morocco, Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite valiant performances, all three East African hosts bowed out at the quarterfinal stage.
For their efforts, however, the co-hosts will each receive prize money of $450,000 (Ksh58 million), a reward that underlines the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) commitment to strengthening domestic football structures across the continent.
The four semi-finalists are guaranteed Ksh77 million each, the third-place team will pocket Ksh90 million, the runners-up Ksh155 million, and the champions will walk away with an impressive Ksh453 million.
One of the defining symbols of the tournament has been the newly redesigned CHAN trophy which was unveiled in Dar es Salaam on August 1 by African football icons Victor Wanyama of Kenya, Denis Onyango of Uganda, and Mrisho Ngasa of Tanzania, the trophy has captured the essence of unity and continental pride.
With 54 engraved lines representing every African football association and a golden map of Africa crowning its top, the trophy embodies the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of African footballers and fans.
“The chance to host this CHAN tournament has been a big motivation for the young local players. It has been a success so far, the organisation, the way CAF has arranged everything, and the group was really electric with fans,” said Wanyama, who also serves as the CHAN Ambassador.
The trophy’s final stop before the ultimate handover was Nairobi, where it toured major media houses including KBC, NTV, KTN, and TV47, stirring anticipation across the country.
Nairobi now prepares for a historic night under the floodlights of Kasarani Stadium, where thousands of fans and millions of viewers across Africa will witness the crowning of the new CHAN champions.
For Kenya, CHAN 2024 has meant more than hosting duties. The Harambee Stars defied expectations by advancing to the knockout stages for the first time in their history, stunning giants such as DR Congo and Morocco with passionate, disciplined displays.
Their campaign united the nation and revived dreams of continental glory. “This team has shown what unity and belief can do. We are playing not just for ourselves, but for every Kenyan who loves the game,” said midfielder Austin Odhiambo, one of the breakout stars of the competition.
Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa praised the national team’s resilience, describing their performances as history in the making.
His sentiments were echoed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who commended Kenya’s organization and the electric atmosphere surrounding the matches. President William Ruto also weighed in, noting the impact of CHAN in inspiring a new generation of footballers.
Harambee Stars’ efforts have already been rewarded, with Football Kenya Federation confirming that players and officials received a combined Ksh232 million in allowances and bonuses, including Ksh21 million disbursed directly to players.
As anticipation reaches fever pitch, all eyes turn to Kasarani. The final promises more than a battle for continental supremacy, it is a night of history, pride, and unity.
When the final whistle blows on August 30, one team will lift the gleaming CHAN trophy, forever etching its name into African football history, while East Africa celebrates a successful tournament that has set the stage for an even bigger showpiece in 2027.
