The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Africa’s top tournament for home-based national footballers, is set to run from August 2 to 30, 2025. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), this eighth edition will be the first in history to be jointly hosted by three countries, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a milestone for East African football.
With the tournament just days away, preparations are nearing completion. The host nations are finalizing infrastructure, logistics, and event coordination to welcome fans and teams from across the continent. The tournament is also seen as a key stepping stone toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the same three nations will co-host.
In Kenya, major upgrades to stadiums are almost complete. The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, set to host the final, is reported to be 99% done, while Nyayo National Stadium is at 85% completion. The Kenyan government has invested over Ksh2.58 billion to ensure the venues meet CAF standards.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, expressed confidence in the country’s readiness. “Kenya is ready to host CHAN 2025. Significant progress has been made on stadiums and training grounds, with final inspections completed in June,” he said.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe echoed this optimism during a recent visit, stating: “I have no doubt that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will deliver the best CHAN in the tournament’s history. The governments are fully committed, and it shows.”
The tournament will feature 19 teams composed entirely of players from domestic leagues. Group A includes hosts Kenya, two-time champions Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia—posing a formidable challenge for the Harambee Stars in their CHAN debut.
Kenya’s campaign will be led by head coach Benni McCarthy, who recently finalized his 25-man squad. In a last-minute reshuffle, McCarthy brought in Brian Michira (Shabana FC), Chrispin Erambo (Tusker), and Edward Omondi (Sofapaka) to replace Mohammed Bajaber, Swaleh Pamba, and Brian Musa—dropped due to fitness concerns.
“At this level, players must be 100% ready—physically, mentally, and tactically,” said McCarthy. He praised the newcomers for their potential, noting Michira’s midfield vision, Erambo’s mobility, and Omondi’s attacking edge.
Final Harambee Stars Squad – CHAN 2024
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders: Chrispin Erambo, Brian Michira, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards: Edward Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
The joint hosting bid, named “Pamoja” (Swahili for “together”), has been widely praised as a model for regional cooperation. CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba commended the collaborative effort, saying, “This is a great example for the continent. Three countries have united to deliver a major tournament.”
CHAN 2024 kicks off on August 2 with Tanzania facing Burkina Faso in the opening match in Dar es Salaam. Reigning champions Senegal begin their title defense in Group D. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), chaired by Nicholas Musonye, is working diligently to ensure the tournament runs smoothly and showcases the best of East African hospitality and football.
