By Nabakiibi Doreen Malaika
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of CHAN 2024 has made a landmark announcement that will excite Ugandan football fans: free entry to the third-place playoff between Sudan and Senegal, scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
During a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, the LOC confirmed that it had purchased all 28,000 tickets allocated for the match from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and would make them available to the public at no cost. The initiative is described as a gesture of gratitude to Ugandan fans who have filled stadiums and shown unwavering support during this historic tournament.
“This is the way the LOC, under the leadership of Maama Janet Museveni, is saying ‘thank you’ to all football fans who have made our homeland proud during this co-hosting of CHAN 2024. Your energy and passion have made the experience both memorable and successful,” the LOC communication team emphasized.
How Fans Can Access Tickets
Fans will be able to secure their tickets exclusively through CAF’s official ticketing website. As with previous games, supporters must register their details online. Instead of making payment, they will simply enter the special promo code CHAN3RD to claim up to three tickets per person.
All tickets will be stamped “NOT FOR SALE” while maintaining CAF’s official security features. The LOC has strongly warned against seeking tickets from unauthorized sellers or third-party distributors, stressing that only the CAF portal is valid.
For those who had already purchased tickets before the announcement, CAF confirmed they will be contacted directly to make appropriate arrangements, ensuring no fan is left disadvantaged.
More Than Just Football
Friday’s event at Namboole will be more than a football match it promises to be a full cultural celebration. The LOC revealed that, as part of the entertainment package, fans will enjoy live performances from some of Uganda’s biggest music stars, including Jose Chameleone, John Blaq, Elijah Kitaka, and Vinka. The concert will kick off at 5:00 p.m., an hour before the match, and will continue after the final whistle and medal ceremony.
Uganda’s Pride as a Co-Host
This year’s CHAN 2024 has been unique, with the tournament co-hosted across three East African nations. Tanzania hosted the opening game, Uganda is hosting the third-place playoff, and Kenya will stage the grand finale at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Uganda’s gesture of free tickets highlights the country’s pride in co-hosting the tournament for the first time in history. It also reflects the unity and enthusiasm that Ugandan fans have demonstrated throughout the competition.
Final Call to Fans
Kick-off for the Sudan vs. Senegal clash is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Mandela National Stadium, with gates opening earlier to accommodate the large crowd and pre-match festivities.
The LOC has called upon all football lovers to take advantage of this historic opportunity:
We encourage every fan to visit the CAF website, secure your free ticket, and come to Namboole for the third-place playoff. Let us create another unforgettable atmosphere as Uganda proudly closes its chapter in this CHAN 2024 journey.
