The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially titled the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship for sponsorship purposes, is set to make history as the 8th edition of the biennial tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This tournament, scheduled to run from 1 to 28 February 2025, is unique as it features players exclusively from their respective domestic leagues and will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the first time in CHAN history that three nations will share hosting duties.
Host Selection
The decision to co-host the tournament was announced on 17 December 2023, marking a significant moment in African football history. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda were chosen as hosts, with the event serving as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is also slated to be hosted by the three nations.
Venues and Capacities
The tournament will be played across multiple iconic venues in the three host countries:
| 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 |
This diverse array of venues reflects the host nations’ commitment to showcasing their infrastructure and providing fans with world-class football experiences.
Qualification Process
The qualification procedures for the tournament were unveiled at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on 9 September 2024. The qualifying matches took place from 25 October to 29 December 2024.
Notably, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia earned automatic qualifications. However, Libya later withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, reducing the number of direct qualifiers.
Qualified Teams
Here are the teams that have successfully qualified for the 2024 CHAN:
| Team | Zone | Date of Qualification | Finals Appearance | First Appearance | Last Appearance | Best Performance | FIFA Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 1st | None | None | Debut | TBD |
| Tanzania (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 3rd | 2009 | 2020 | Group Stage (2009, 2020) | TBD |
| Uganda (co-hosts) | Central Eastern Zone | 26 September 2024 | 7th | 2011 | 2022 | Group Stage (2011–2022) | TBD |
| Morocco | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 5th | 2014 | 2020 | Champions (2018, 2020) | TBD |
| Tunisia | Northern Zone | 9 October 2024 | 3rd | 2011 | 2016 | Champions (2011) | TBD |
Tournament Highlights
This edition promises to be an exciting spectacle for African football, featuring both debutant and experienced teams. For co-hosts Kenya, the tournament represents their first-ever CHAN appearance, while Uganda and Tanzania aim to improve on past performances. Reigning champions Morocco and past winners Tunisia add a competitive edge to the tournament lineup.
The 2024 CHAN is not just a sporting event—it’s a platform for showcasing local talent, fostering regional collaboration, and building momentum for the upcoming 2027 AFCON. With three nations co-hosting for the first time, the tournament is set to set new standards in African football.
