Get ready for a football spectacle in East Africa! The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will jointly host the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) from February 1 to 28, 2024. This marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time East Africa hosts a continental football competition for national teams.
The CHAN, a biennial tournament, is a unique platform showcasing the talents of locally-based players, excluding those who play in European leagues. This provides a platform for homegrown talent to shine and compete on the international stage.
The event will serve as a vital precursor to the 2027 African Cup of Nations, which will also be hosted by these three nations. CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, emphasizing the commitment shown by the host countries in enhancing their football infrastructure and boosting tourism. Motsepe recently toured three Kenyan national stadiums slated to host the event, two of which are currently under renovation.
The 2024 CHAN will feature 19 teams, with qualifying matches set to begin on October 25th and conclude in December. Senegal emerged victorious in the last edition, held in 2023, defeating Algeria in a thrilling penalty shootout. Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo have each secured the CHAN title twice since the tournament’s inception in 2009.
This is a fantastic opportunity for East Africa to showcase its passion for football and welcome thousands of fans from across the continent. With the tournament just around the corner, the anticipation is building for a captivating competition and a memorable sporting event for the entire region.
