Dar es Salaam. For the first time in African football history, three nations Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have achieved something extraordinary co-hosting a continental tournament and advancing together to the quarter finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
It is more than football. It is a statement of unity, ambition, and the power of home spirit.
The Spirit of Pamoja
The Swahili word Pamoja meaning “together” has become the heartbeat of this tournament.
These three nations, united in hosting duties, are now equally united on the pitch.
Each has not only delivered history for themselves but also reshaped the narrative of East African football on the continental stage.
Until now, Uganda had never crossed the group stage. Tanzania had stumbled on two separate occasions.
Kenya were making their debut. Today, all three stand shoulder to shoulder in the last eight.
Kenya: A Debut to Remember
The Harambee Stars began CHAN 2024 with little expectation but quickly turned Kasarani Stadium into a fortress.
Their defining moment came when Ryan Ogam’s 75th-minute strike secured a famous 1-0 victory over Zambia.
With 10 points in Group A finishing above 2020 champions Morocco Kenya not only topped their group but ignited a belief across the nation.
Under the guidance of Benni McCarthy, their defensive resilience and clinical edge have made them tournament contenders.
They now remain in Nairobi for a mouthwatering quarter-final against Madagascar.
Tanzania: Flair and Dominance
The Taifa Stars lit up Group B with three wins out of four, finishing top with style and confidence.
Their only slip was a draw against the Central African Republic a match that had no bearing on their qualification.
At the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, fans roared their team on in record numbers. Tanzania’s attacking flair and disciplined structure have made them one of the competition’s most watchable sides.
A huge challenge awaits on Friday a quarter-final showdown with Morocco in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda: Breaking the Chains of the Past
For the Cranes, this tournament has been about rewriting destiny. After six unsuccessful attempts, Uganda finally broke the jinx.
In a dramatic 3-3 draw against South Africa in Kampala, Uganda seemed down and out.
But in stoppage time, Rogers Torach stepped up, held his nerve, and converted a penalty that sent the Mandela National Stadium into wild celebration.
That single point was enough. Uganda finished top of Group C and secured their first-ever knockout spot.
They now prepare to host their quarter-final in Kampala against Group D’s runners-up.
A Tournament like No Other
CHAN 2024 is the first CAF competition to be hosted by three nations simultaneously.
That bold decision has delivered beyond expectations: full stadiums, vibrant energy, and history made.
As quarter-final weekend approaches, the dream continues.
From Nairobi to Dar es Salaam to Kampala, stadiums will once again be alive with festival-like energy as East Africa writes the next chapter of its football story.
Quarter-Final Line-Up
Friday, August 22, 2025
17:00 – Kenya v Madagascar (Kasarani, Nairobi)
20:00 – Tanzania v Morocco (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)
Saturday, August 23, 2025
17:00 – Winners Group D v Algeria (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
20:00 – Uganda v Runners-up Group D (Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)
