The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially known as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, marks a significant milestone in African football. Scheduled to take place from 1 to 28 February 2025, this 8th edition of the biennial tournament, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will feature national teams exclusively comprising players from their respective domestic leagues. For the first time, the tournament will be co-hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Host Selection
The co-hosting arrangement was announced on 17 December 2023, a strategic decision by CAF to serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This collaborative hosting reflects the growing trend of shared responsibilities for major tournaments, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation and infrastructure development in African football.
Venues
The matches will be held across five key stadiums, located in the co-hosting nations’ major cities:
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | 60,000 |
| Kampala | Namboole Stadium | 45,000 |
| Nairobi | Nyayo National Stadium | 18,000 |
| Nairobi | Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 |
| Zanzibar City | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
These venues represent a mix of historical and modern facilities, ensuring a world-class experience for players and fans alike.
Qualification
The qualification process for the 2024 CHAN was unveiled on 9 September 2024 at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The matches were held between 25 October and 29 December 2024.
While Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia qualified automatically, Libya later withdrew, citing scheduling conflicts. This withdrawal highlights the logistical challenges that occasionally arise in continental tournaments.
Qualified Teams
The following teams have secured their spots in the 2024 CHAN tournament:
| Team | Zone | Finals Appearance | First Appearance | Last Appearance | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 1st | None | None | Debut |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 3rd | 2009 | 2020 | Group stage (2009, 2020) |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 7th | 2011 | 2022 | Group stage (multiple) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | 2014 | 2020 | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | 2011 | 2016 | Champions (2011) |
Tournament Significance
The 2024 CHAN is not just another football tournament; it’s a platform for local talent to shine on a continental stage. For co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, it represents an opportunity to showcase their footballing prowess and organizational capacity. For powerhouses like Morocco and Tunisia, it’s a chance to reaffirm their dominance in African football.
With the tournament promising exciting matches and memorable moments, the 2024 CHAN is set to be a landmark event in the history of African football.
