After months of uncertainty and construction delays, the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 will finally kick off this Saturday in East Africa, marking a historic milestone for regional football.
The tournament, jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” (Swahili for “together”) bid, is the first Confederation of African Football (CAF) event in the region since 1976. and the first ever co-hosted by three countries. Originally scheduled for February, CHAN was postponed due to delays in stadium renovations, but is now set to run until August 30.
Featuring only players active in their domestic leagues, CHAN serves as a key precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also set to be hosted by the same trio.
CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, during a final inspection in Nairobi last week, praised the host nations for their cooperation and resilience. “Three countries have pooled their efforts and resources to successfully deliver. Africa must learn from this model,” he said.
Tanzania will launch the 19-team tournament with a Group B opener against Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Meanwhile, defending champions Senegal are scheduled to begin their title defense against Nigeria on August 5 in Zanzibar.
Group A, considered the tournament’s “Group of Death,” features co-hosts Kenya, two-time champions Morocco, Angola, Zambia, and DR Congo. Morocco, who withdrew from CHAN 2023 in Algeria, return with a strong squad that includes six players from the CAF Confederation Cup-winning team and Olympian goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi.
Kenya, under new head coach Benni McCarthy, a former South African striker and current Manchester United technical team member, are making their CHAN debut. “It’s a great challenge,” McCarthy said. “To be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Uganda, co-hosting matches in Kampala, are hoping to advance past the group stage for the first time in seven CHAN appearances. They’ve brought in former national team captain Denis Onyango to bolster their technical bench, particularly in goalkeeping. Uganda’s Group C opponents include Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa.
With five newly upgraded stadiums and over a month of action ahead, CHAN 2024 promises a thrilling showcase of local football talent and a major test of East Africa’s readiness to co-host AFCON 2027.
Written By Rodney Mbua
