CHAN 2024 begins this Saturday across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania
After months of delay and uncertainty, the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is finally set to begin this weekend, marking a big moment for East African football. The regional tournament will be held across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the united “Pamoja” bid—Swahili for together.
Originally scheduled for February, the competition was pushed back to August following incomplete stadium upgrades. Now, with five improved venues ready and teams arriving, the tournament officially kicks off on Saturday and will run until August 30.
This year’s CHAN is not just any edition. It’s the first time the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given hosting rights to three countries at once. It’s also the first CAF event to return to the region since 1976.
CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, after inspecting facilities in Nairobi last week, praised the unity shown:
“Three countries have pooled their efforts and resources to successfully deliver. Africa must learn from this model.”
The competition features 19 teams, all made up of players who play in their home country’s local leagues. Tanzania will open the tournament with a Group B clash against Burkina Faso at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Defending champions Senegal will begin their title defense on August 5 in Zanzibar, where they face Nigeria in a highly anticipated Group D showdown.
Group A, which many are calling the Group of Death, includes co-hosts Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. Morocco—who skipped CHAN 2023 in Algeria—return with a strong lineup, including six players from the CAF Confederation Cup-winning squad and their Olympic goalkeeper, Rachid Ghanimi.
Kenya will be making their first ever appearance in CHAN. They’ll be led by Benni McCarthy, the former South African goal machine and current coach on Manchester United’s technical bench.
“It’s a great challenge,” McCarthy said. “To be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Uganda, hosting matches in Kampala, are looking to break their group-stage curse, having failed to go past that level in all six of their previous appearances. They’ve brought in legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango to support their backline from the technical bench.
Uganda are placed in Group C, alongside Guinea, Niger, Algeria, and South Africa.
CHAN 2024 is more than just matches. It’s also being seen as a trial run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the same three countries are preparing to co-host.
With upgraded infrastructure, packed stadiums expected, and passionate home fans, East Africa is hoping to not only put on a good show—but prove it’s ready for bigger stages ahead.
