The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), also known as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship for sponsorship purposes, is set to be the 8th edition of the biennial tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This unique competition features national teams composed exclusively of players actively competing in their respective domestic leagues.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from 1 to 28 February 2025, marking the first time CHAN will be hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This edition serves as a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be co-hosted by the East African region.
Host Selection
On 17 December 2023, CAF announced that Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda would co-host the 2024 CHAN. This collaborative hosting effort is seen as a “dress rehearsal” for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing the region’s capacity to organize major football events.
Venues
The tournament will be played across five key stadiums spread among the three host nations:
| 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 for the 2024 CHAN began on 25 October 2024 and concluded on 29 December 2024, following the guidelines announced at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on 9 September 2024.
While Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya initially qualified automatically, Libya later withdrew, citing scheduling conflicts.
Qualified Teams
Here are the teams that will participate in the 2024 CHAN, along with their qualification details and past performances:
| 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) |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 5th | Champions (2018, 2020) |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 3rd | Champions (2011) |
Significance
The 2024 CHAN holds immense importance for the participating nations and the East African region. For Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, this is a chance to showcase their organizational capabilities on the continental stage while giving their local players invaluable experience.
As anticipation builds, the Blue, Black, and Green co-hosting nations are set to make history, delivering a landmark tournament for fans across Africa.
