For football fans in the East Africa region, whose sides have failed repeatedly to qualify for top flight football competitions consistently, the idea that continental football is at their door steps is a blessing that cannot be wished away.

Opinions may differ, but hosting the African Nations Championships 2024 (CHAN) is a huge win for the football fraternity in the eastern region of the continent, which has suffered the indignity of failing to host top tier African football for many years.

Founded in 2009 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN is a biennial tournament that exclusively features players who are active in their country’s domestic leagues. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, no foreign-based players are eligible, making CHAN a true celebration of homegrown talent and local football ecosystems.

This year’s tournament is particularly significant for Kenya, which will be making its debut appearance on home soil. The Harambee Stars will have the opportunity to showcase their locally based players in front of home fans, offering a unique chance to connect the national team to the grassroots and domestic leagues that shape them.

CHAN 2024 introduces a number of firsts. It is the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is also the first time the competition is being staged in East Africa.

In addition, the 2024 championship will act as a test run and curtain raiser for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in the East African region in 2027. The tournament will also welcome another first-time participant, the Central African Republic.

This edition of CHAN features 19 teams, a unique number resulting from Libya’s withdrawal after qualifying, due to scheduling conflicts. As a result, the tournament will adopt a four-group format: Groups A, B, and C will each have five teams, while Group D will comprise four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, after which the tournament will proceed to the semi-finals, third-place playoff, and final.

Senegal enters the competition as the reigning champions, while Morocco and DR Congo hold the distinction of being the most successful nations in CHAN history, having won the tournament twice each.

Groups at a Glance

Group A

Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia

Group B

Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic

Group C

Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa

Group D

Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria

All group A matches will be hosted in Kenya split between Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums. For Kenya, the significance of this moment cannot be overstated as all of Harambee Stars’ group matches will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani—the same venue where Kenya reached the football final of the 1987 All Africa Games.

Kasarani will also host a quarter-final match, the tournament’s final, and the official closing ceremony. The symbolism of playing at home, in a familiar stadium steeped in national history, adds an emotional layer to Harambee’s participation.