Dar es Salaam. The 2024 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) the premier tournament for Africa’s home based footballers will take place from August 2025 2 to 30 across three East African nations: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
This will mark the eighth edition of the biennial competition organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the first time it will be jointly hosted by three countries a landmark move that serves as a crucial test ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be staged in the region.
What is CHAN?
Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the CHAN competition is exclusive to players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues.
This means there will be no European-based stars only locally based talent representing their national teams.
The tournament provides a unique platform for Africa’s emerging homegrown talent, often serving as a launchpad to international careers.
Hosts of CHAN 2024
In a historic first, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host CHAN 2024, reinforcing regional unity and collaboration.
The move is viewed as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 AFCON, also set to be staged by the same trio.
CAF confirmed the decision on 17 December 2023, and the tournament is scheduled to run from 2–30 August 2025.
Qualified Teams
A total of 19 national teams will compete for glory, including some of Africa’s biggest footballing nations, including Senegal (defending champions), Morocco (two-time winners), DR Congo (holders with two titles), Nigeria, Algeria, Zambia, Kenya and Central African Republic (debutants).
Libya had initially qualified but withdrew due to scheduling issues.
Tournament Format
The 19 teams have been split into four groups as follows: Groups A, B, and C each consist of five teams. Group D includes four teams
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and the final.
Group Stage Line-Up
Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia. Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic.
Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa. Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria
Host Stadiums
The tournament will take place across five major venues:
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (60,000 seats). Moi International Sports Centre – Nairobi, Kenya (60,000 seats). Nyayo National Stadium– Nairobi, Kenya (45,000 seats). Mandela National Stadium – Kampala, Uganda (45,000 seats). Amaan Stadium– Zanzibar, Tanzania (15,000 seats)
What’s at Stake?
For players, CHAN represents a golden opportunity to gain continental recognition and attract international scouts.
For fans, it’s a celebration of African football heritage, highlighting the richness of local leagues and grassroots development.
