The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially named the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship for sponsorship purposes, marks a significant milestone in African football. Scheduled from 1 to 28 February 2025, this biennial tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) exclusively features national teams composed of players actively competing in their domestic leagues.
This edition will be a landmark event as it becomes the first CHAN to be co-hosted by three countries—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It also serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be hosted by these nations.
Host Selection and Preparation
On 17 December 2023, CAF officially announced Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as co-hosts. This collaborative hosting arrangement reflects a growing trend in African football to enhance regional cooperation and infrastructure.
Venues and Capacity
The matches will be held across five stadiums in three countries, showcasing some of East Africa’s finest sporting facilities:
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | 60,000 |
| Kampala, Uganda | Namboole Stadium | 45,000 |
| Nairobi, Kenya | Nyayo National Stadium | 18,000 |
| Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 | |
| Zanzibar City, Tanzania | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
Qualification Process
The qualification process was unveiled on 9 September 2024 at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The qualification matches ran from 25 October to 29 December 2024.
- Automatic Qualification: Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia were granted automatic spots in the tournament. However, Libya later withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.
Qualified Teams
The following teams will compete in the 2024 CHAN, representing their respective zones and highlighting their historical performances:
| Team | Zone | Finals Appearance | Previous Best Performance | FIFA Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | Debut | None | TBD |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 3rd | Group Stage (2009, 2020) | TBD |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 7th | Group Stage (2011-2022) | TBD |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 5th | Champions (2018, 2020) | TBD |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 3rd | Champions (2011) | TBD |
Looking Ahead
The 2024 CHAN promises to be a celebration of African football, bringing together the best homegrown talent from across the continent. With historic co-hosting arrangements, upgraded venues, and intense competition expected, fans can look forward to a thrilling tournament that will set the stage for future collaborations and growth in African football.
