CAF Announces New Dates for CHAN 2025 After Postponement
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the rescheduled dates for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, now set to take place from August 2 to August 30.
The tournament, which was initially scheduled for February, faced delays due to infrastructural challenges in the co-hosting nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The decision to push the tournament to August was made during the CAF Executive Committee meeting held in Rabat, Morocco, on January 27, 2025.
CAF stated that the postponement was necessary to allow the host nations to finalize preparations and ensure a high-quality competition. The championship exclusively features players competing in their domestic leagues, offering a platform to showcase local talent. The decision aims to ensure that facilities, stadiums, and logistics are in top condition for an exceptional football event. It also provides teams ample time to prepare for the tournament, which will increase its overall competitiveness.
Tournament Structure and Participating Teams
Kenya has been drawn into Group A, where they will face two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo, alongside Angola and Zambia. DR Congo and Morocco remain the most successful teams in CHAN history, each securing two titles. This group is expected to be highly competitive, as all teams have strong domestic leagues and experienced players eager to shine in the tournament. The battle for the top two spots in the group is anticipated to be intense.
Defending champions Senegal will lead Group D, competing against Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria. Senegal clinched their first-ever CHAN title in 2022 and are eager to defend their crown in the upcoming edition. With a team that boasts strong homegrown talents, they will face stiff competition as all teams in their group are known for their physical and tactical styles of play.
Tanzania, another co-host, has been placed in Group B with Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Group C opponents include Niger, Guinea, and two teams that will be determined after the completion of the qualifying phase. Uganda will look to make the most of its home advantage, as playing in familiar conditions will boost their chances of advancing.
Additional Teams and Withdrawals
Libya and Tunisia have withdrawn from the competition, citing challenges related to player availability and the impact on their domestic leagues. The vacant spots in Group C will be filled through additional qualifiers, featuring teams such as Algeria, Comoros, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, and South Africa. However, the exact dates for these qualifying matches remain uncertain. The absence of Libya and Tunisia is significant, as both teams have performed well in past editions of CHAN, and their withdrawal may shift the competitive balance in the tournament.
CAF emphasized that the rescheduling will not only ensure readiness but also enhance the overall quality of the tournament. The organization remains committed to delivering a world-class competition for African football fans. The changes will also allow more fans to plan their attendance, boosting the overall excitement and economic impact of the event in the host nations.
Other CAF Announcements
Beyond CHAN 2025, the CAF Executive Committee has also approved dates for other major tournaments. The Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place in Morocco from April 22 to April 30, 2025. The two finalists will earn spots at the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in the Philippines later that year. The women’s futsal tournament has been gaining popularity, and its expansion is seen as a major step forward for women’s football development in Africa.
Additionally, the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations will undergo an expansion, increasing the number of participating teams from 12 to 16 starting in 2025. This change aims to provide more young players with the opportunity to compete at an elite level. It will also allow more countries to gain exposure in international youth competitions, boosting football development across the continent. The increased competition will help in scouting and nurturing talent, ensuring the future of African football remains strong.
Impact of the CHAN 2025 Rescheduling
With the new schedule, host nations have additional time to improve stadium infrastructure, training facilities, and logistical planning. This is particularly crucial for ensuring that CHAN 2025 meets international standards. Several upgrades are already underway, with a focus on modernizing stadiums and improving travel and accommodation facilities for players, officials, and fans.
CAF continues to engage with local organizing committees to monitor progress, and fans can expect an official confirmation of venues in the coming months. The new tournament dates provide ample time for teams to prepare, enhancing the competitive nature of the event. The tournament will also bring economic benefits to the host nations, as an influx of visitors will boost tourism, hospitality, and local businesses.
As anticipation builds, African football enthusiasts look forward to an exciting CHAN 2025, where domestic-based players will compete for continental glory. The tournament remains a vital platform for emerging talent and an opportunity for nations to showcase their footballing prowess on home soil. Fans can expect thrilling matches, outstanding individual performances, and a celebration of African football excellence. With improved organization and an extended preparation period, CHAN 2025 promises to be one of the best editions yet, cementing its status as a crucial tournament in the African football calendar
