The 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to kick off on August 2, with hosts Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda welcoming Africa’s top home-based national teams. The tournament, which will feature 19 countries, is seen as a stepping stone for the AFCON 2027, which these same East African nations will also co-host.
This year’s CHAN promises to be a landmark event. Not only is it the first time the tournament is hosted in three nations, but it also features fierce competition from seasoned champions like Senegal, Morocco, and Congo. With Morocco and Congo each aiming for a third CHAN title, and Senegal arriving as the defending champions, the tournament is expected to deliver high-level football and national pride.
The competition begins at the group stage with four groups (A to D). Here's a breakdown of each group and the teams involved, along with a short explanation of their football backgrounds:
GROUP A
- Kenya
- Morocco
- Angola
- Dr Congo
- Zambia
Kenya – One of the co-hosts, Kenya, is eager to shine on home soil. While they’ve struggled in previous CHAN editions, playing at home may offer the morale boost they need. Morocco – A CHAN powerhouse with two titles (2018 & 2020). Their technical discipline and strong domestic league make them clear favorites. Angola – Regular CHAN participants with a history of solid performances, including a runner-up finish in 2011, DR Congo – A two-time CHAN champion (2009 & 2016) known for physical and aggressive play. Always a threat in group stages and Zambia – Former AFCON winners (2012), Zambia’s local talent continues to impress in regional competitions. They have a balanced and disciplined squad.
GROUP B
- Tanzania
- Madagascar
- Mauritania
- Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic
Tanzania – Another co-host, Tanzania, will play the opening match against Burkina Faso on August 2 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Known for passionate fans and a fast-improving league, Madagascar has been a surprise performer in recent African tournaments. Their tactical style and resilience make them dangerous opponents. Mauritania – A fast-rising West African team known for discipline and teamwork. Looking to make a deeper CHAN run, Burkina Faso – Solid mid-tier side with regular CHAN appearances. Known for physical endurance and consistent defending, and Central African Republic is a developing football nation. They lack CHAN experience but have shown flashes of potential in regional qualifiers.
GROUP C
- Uganda
- Niger
- Guinea
- Algeria
- South Africa
Uganda – Co-hosts and regular CHAN participants. Known for a physically strong squad and well-organized midfield play, Niger has been a CHAN quarterfinalist in the past. Although not favorites, their compact defense can cause upsets. Guinea – Technically skilled and tactically disciplined. Guinea is always a solid side in group competition, Algeria – Former CHAN semifinalists, with a strong local league feeding their team. Known for flair and passing style, South Africa – A country with a world-class domestic league, but inconsistent CHAN form. Always capable of a surprise performance.
GROUP D
- Senegal
- Congo
- Sudan
- Nigeria
Senegal – Defending CHAN 2022 champions, also current AFCON title holders. One of the top contenders in the tournament, Congo, twice CHAN winners (2009 and 2014), is aiming to make history with a third title. Aggressive and efficient in attack, Sudan – CHAN semi-finalists in the past. Known for resilience and tactical patience, and Nigeria – CHAN 2018 runners-up. Their domestic talent pool is deep, and they come into the tournament as serious contenders.
For the Love of the Game
The CHAN 2024 opening ceremony and match will be held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The highly anticipated first game will kick off at 20:00 EAT on August 2, featuring hosts Tanzania vs Burkina Faso, a match expected to ignite East African pride.
This CHAN edition means more than a trophy; it's a dress rehearsal for the AFCON 2027, which will also be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Infrastructure, stadiums, and crowd management during CHAN will help these nations prepare for the biggest stage in African football.
CHAN 2024 is more than just a tournament — it’s a powerful symbol of African unity, rising talent, and East Africa’s growing voice in football. With passion in the stands and pride on the pitch, this year’s edition is set to inspire a new generation of fans and players across the continent.
⚽Which team are you supporting at CHAN 2024? 🇰🇪🇹🇿🇺🇬🇸🇳🇲🇦 Share your predictions, favorite players, or memories in the comments below — let’s celebrate African football together! ⚽🔥
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