By Nabakiibi Doreen Malaika
Football fever is rising across East Africa as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania prepare to co-host the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship better known as CHAN. It’s the first time the tournament will be staged across three countries, and it doubles as a big dress rehearsal ahead of AFCON 2027, which the region will also host.
Nineteen teams are in the mix this time, including defending champions Senegal, tournament regulars like Nigeria and Algeria, and former winners Morocco and DR Congo.
Group A: “The Group of Death”
All eyes are on Group A and with good reason. Hosts Kenya find themselves in a tough crowd alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia and Angola. Morocco and DR Congo have two titles between them, and Zambia can be deadly on their day. Angola’s physical style has also been known to cause problems for the big boys. For Kenya, the home crowd could be the X-factor, but they’ll have to come out strong from day one.
Group B: Wide Open in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania leads Group B and will count on the fans in Dar to push them forward. But they’ve got a tricky road ahead. Burkina Faso brings CHAN experience, Mauritania is steadily improving, Madagascar has pulled off big surprises before, and newcomers Central African Republic could be the wild card.
Group C: Kampala Calling
In Group C, co-hosts Uganda have a real shot but they’ll have to earn it. Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger all bring different styles to the pitch. Algeria is physical and relentless. South Africa’s home-based players are hungry to prove a point. Guinea is unpredictable, but full of flair. And Niger’s tight defence has frustrated bigger teams before. With home support behind them, the Cranes will be looking to make a serious run.
Group D: Small Group, Big Stakes
Group D is short on numbers but not on quality. Senegal are the defending champs and favourites to top the group, but Nigeria won’t make it easy. Congo brings size and grit, while Sudan has been known to punch above its weight at CHAN. With only four teams, every game could make or break a quarter-final dream.
Mark Your Calendars
The tournament kicks off Saturday, 2 August in Dar es Salaam, where hosts Tanzania will take on Burkina Faso at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Nairobi gets its first taste of the action the next day, as Kenya hosts DR Congo at Moi International Sports Centre, followed by Morocco vs. Angola at Nyayo.
Kampala’s Mandela Stadium joins the party on 4 August, with Uganda facing Algeria under the lights, following Niger vs. Guinea earlier that evening.
The third-place playoff is set for Friday, 29 August in Kampala, while the final will be played in Nairobi on Saturday, 30 August.
