With just weeks to go before the much-anticipated TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicks off, East Africa is gearing up to host what promises to be a landmark football event.
For the first time in CAF history, three countries including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will jointly host a tournament of this scale, uniting the region through sport and shining a spotlight on homegrown football talent.
The championship, which runs from August 2 to 30, will begin with the opening match at Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The competition will then move to Kampala, Uganda for the third-place playoff, before culminating with the final showdown in Nairobi, Kenya.
Nineteen teams, including reigning champions Senegal, are set to compete in what is being hailed as a turning point for African domestic football.
CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba emphasized the significance of the event. “The TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 is a powerful statement of African excellence, unity, and belief in local talent. East Africa is ready to welcome the continent.”
However, in a surprising development, Kenya’s Harambee Stars have withdrawn from the Four-Nation Pre-CHAN tournament that was set to begin on Monday July 21, 2025 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The mini-tournament was expected to include Tanzania, Uganda, and defending CHAN champions Kenya. Despite having already arrived in Arusha, the Kenyan side pulled out at the last minute.
In a statement, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) explained the move, citing advice from the technical team.
“The decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions which were deemed unsustainable for the team’s participation and overall preparations.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria is intensifying its build-up campaign. The Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda’s APR FC in a friendly on July 29 at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
This fixture is part of Nigeria’s final preparations before they head to Zanzibar for their Group D matches, where they will face Senegal, Congo, and Sudan.
As preparations for CHAN 2024 intensify, attention now shifts to the main event, where East Africa will take center stage in celebrating local talent, unity, and sporting pride.
