The countdown to Africa’s grandest celebration of home-grown football talent is officially underway as teams begin to arrive for the much-anticipated TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, set to electrify East Africa from August 2 to 30, 2025.
Uganda welcomed the first wave of this continental football fiesta with the arrival of Team Niger at Entebbe International Airport, marking the start of what promises to be a thrilling month of action. A dedicated reception desk, set up by the Civil Aviation Authority, ensured that the team was swiftly processed and warmly ushered in—setting a welcoming tone for the tournament.
Team Niger’s arrival is not just a logistics update—it’s a signal that the CHAN caravan is officially in town, and the rhythm of African football is about to take over the region.
The West African side is scheduled to open its campaign against Guinea on Monday, August 4, at the iconic Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in Kampala, where Uganda’s football heart beats loudest.
This year’s CHAN tournament is historic on several fronts. Not only does it shine a spotlight on local league players—those who play their club football within their national borders—but it’s also the first time the competition is being co-hosted by three East African nations: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The joint hosting serves as a high-stakes dress rehearsal for the even bigger AFCON 2027, which will also be staged across the same trio of nations.
Uganda’s Group C Fixtures: Stadium Nights to Remember
Uganda’s national team will look to make a strong impression in Group C, where they face tough competition from Niger, Guinea, Algeria, and South Africa. All group matches will be held at Mandela National Stadium, which is set to deliver electrifying double-headers and a carnival atmosphere throughout the group stage.
The CHAN tournament, held biennially under the banner of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has built a reputation as the launchpad for emerging talent. Over the years, it has unearthed stars who have gone on to sign professional contracts abroad and shine at the Africa Cup of Nations and even the FIFA World Cup.
19 Teams. 4 Groups. 1 Trophy.
This year, 19 national teams have qualified for the tournament, spread across four competitive groups. With only players based in their respective home leagues eligible to compete, CHAN puts national pride and local football development at center stage.
The opening match will be staged in Tanzania, while Kenya will have the honour of hosting the final showdown, completing the regional partnership in style.
