The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially known as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, marks the 8th edition of this biennial football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This competition exclusively features national teams comprised of players competing in their respective domestic leagues.
For the first time in history, the tournament will be co-hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Scheduled to run from 1 to 28 February 2025, it serves as a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be hosted in the region.
Host Selection
On 17 December 2023, CAF announced Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as co-hosts of the tournament. This decision was seen as a strategic move to test the region’s capacity for hosting major football events ahead of the 2027 AFCON.
Venues
The matches will be played across five stadiums in three countries, showcasing the region’s football infrastructure:
| 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 |
| Nairobi, Kenya | Moi International Sports Centre | 55,000 |
| Zanzibar City, Tanzania | Amaan Stadium | 20,000 |
Qualification
The qualification process was unveiled on 9 September 2024 at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. It ran from 25 October to 29 December 2024.
Automatic Qualification
Three teams—Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia—qualified automatically. However, Libya later withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.
Qualified Teams
The following teams have secured their spots in the final tournament:
| Team | Zone | Date of Qualification | Finals Appearance | Previous Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 1st | Debut |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 3rd | Group Stage (2009, 2020) |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 7th | Group Stage (multiple editions) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 5th | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 3rd | Champions (2011) |
Looking Ahead
The 2024 CHAN promises to be a thrilling competition, uniting fans across East Africa and beyond. As the region prepares for this landmark event, anticipation is building for the first matches, with local and international football enthusiasts eager to witness history in the making.
