Harambee Stars players in a training session/TEDDY MULEI
The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the eighth edition of the biennial tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will now take place from August 2 to August 30, 2025.
Originally slated for February 2025, the competition was postponed due to infrastructural delays and additional qualifying rounds necessitated by the withdrawal of several qualified teams, including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Gabon.
For the first time in its history, CHAN will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, in a move Caf describes as a warm-up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be held in these three East African countries.
Historically, DR Congo and Morocco have each won the tournament twice. Tunisia, Libya, and reigning champions Senegal have one title each.
Hosting Nations and Stadiums
Kenya
Kenya will host Group A, comprising Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia, at the Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani) in Nairobi. Despite initial delays, the country has renovated both Nyayo and Kasarani for Sh2.58 billion. However, due to a lack of adequate training facilities, Kenya lost the rights to host Group D, which was relocated to Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Kenya's main venues:
Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani)— 60,000 capacity, will host the final and closing ceremony.
Nyayo National Stadium – 30,000 capacity, centrally located in Nairobi. Sports CS Salim Mvurya confirmed that Kenya has paid a Sh1.6 billion hosting fee to Caf, and preparations are ongoing.
Uganda
Uganda will host Group C and the third-place playoff at the Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in Kampala, which has a capacity of 45,202. Caf has approved several Ugandan venues, noting significant progress in sports infrastructure development. Group C includes: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, and South Africa.
Tanzania
Tanzania will host Group B and some Group D matches. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar-es-salaam (60,000 capacity) will stage the tournament's opening match and all Group B fixtures, featuring Tanzania, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
Meanwhile, Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar (15,000 capacity) will debut in a major Caf event by hosting Group D games featuring Nigeria, Senegal, Congo, and Sudan. Caf has confirmed that Tanzania's venues are fully ready for the event.
Prize Money
The prize money for the 2024 CHAN tournament has been significantly increased. The champions will receive Sh452.8 million, underlining Caf's commitment to elevating the competition's profile. Beyond financial rewards, the tournament is expected to boost tourism, promote local football talent, and strengthen sports infrastructure across East Africa.
Ticket Information
The Local Organising Committee (LOC), chaired by Nicholas Musonye, has released ticket prices for the tournament. In a press briefing on Friday, July 11, Musonye announced:
Regular tickets: Sh200
VIP tickets: Sh500
VVIP tickets: Sh1,000
These rates will apply uniformly across all three host countries, with tickets available exclusively online. Each ticket is valid for one match only. The LOC emphasised affordability to encourage full stadiums and a festive atmosphere.
CHAN 2024 Match Venues Summary
Kenya: Moi Stadium, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium—both in Nairobi.
Uganda: Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) – Kampala.
Tanzania: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium – Dar es Salaam, and Amaan Stadium – Zanzibar.
The opening ceremony and match will take place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, while the final and closing ceremony will be held at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
As part of their preparations, Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, entered training camp on July 10, ahead of their tournament opener against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3.
This East African collaboration marks a major milestone for regional football, promising a memorable CHAN tournament that showcases local talent on a continental stage.
