The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has concluded a highly successful eight‑day inspection tour of host stadiums in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda ahead of the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which will take place from August 2 to 30, 2025.
The mission, involving experts from key CAF departments such as Competitions, Media, Broadcast, Safety & Security, Marketing, and Infrastructure, commenced on July 3 in Nairobi and ended on July 9 in Kampala.
The exhaustive assessment included site visits and technical workshops with Local Organising Committees (LOCs) to ensure readiness on multiple fronts.
In Kenya, CAF officials toured Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani slated to host the final and Nyayo International Stadium, where they examined pitch quality, seating, lighting, operational protocols, and media infrastructure.
From Nairobi, the delegation traveled to Tanzania to evaluate Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, designated for the opening ceremony, as well as Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium, a venue recently tested during a CAF Confederation Cup final.
The tour concluded in Uganda with a final inspection at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, confirming its suitability to host CHAN matches.
CAF’s scrutiny went well beyond playing surfaces. Inspectors evaluated access roads, security arrangements, broadcast and media facilities, team accommodations, and emergency services elements deemed essential for an event of continental stature.
Workshops held with LOCs aimed to address emerging gaps, align operations with CAF regulations and finalise protocols just weeks from kick-off.In a statement following the completion of the visits, CAF Secretary-General Véron Mosengo-Omba expressed confidence in the preparations, noting that “minor details” remain but hosting readiness is assured.
East Africa’s joint and coordinated effort in co-hosting CHAN a first in the tournament’s history has earned praise from CAF, which commended the cooperation between governments, LOCs, and football associations in all three countries.
The tri-nation hosting format reflects not only a logistical achievement but also a symbol of continental unity and development in football infrastructure.
With just under a month to go, CAF’s green light removes any lingering doubts and cements the tournament’s schedule.
Group A fixtures will be played across Nairobi’s Kasarani and Nyayo, Group B matches in Dar es Salaam, Group C in Kampala, and Group D in Zanzibar.
The opening ceremony is set for August 2 in Tanzania, while the final, on August 30, is confirmed for Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
As excitement builds across East Africa, the successful inspection tour marks a vital milestone.
It signals that the region is not only equipped to stage CHAN 2024 with professionalism and preparation but also set to host a landmark celebration of local talent and pan-African football excellence.
Written By Ian Maleve
