September 17, (THEWILL) – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will jointly host the eighth African Nations Championships (CHAN) from February 1 to 28, 2025. This marks the first time East Africa will stage a continental football competition for national teams.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe made the announcement on Monday, after touring three Kenyan national stadiums earmarked for the event. Two of these venues are currently undergoing renovation. Motsepe praised the commitment shown by the three host countries, noting the potential for enhanced football infrastructure and increased tourism.
The CHAN tournament, held every two years, is limited to players who compete in their home national leagues. This restriction excludes high-profile footballers who play for European clubs. The 2025 edition will feature 19 teams, with qualifying matches scheduled to begin on October 25 and conclude in December.
This East African hosting arrangement sets the stage for the region to host the larger 2027 African Cup of Nations. The successful organisation of CHAN 2025 will likely serve as a valuable experience for the three nations in preparation for the more prestigious continental tournament.
Senegal enters the 2025 tournament as the defending champion, having won the 2023 edition by defeating host nation Algeria on penalties in the final. Morocco and DR Congo are the most successful teams in CHAN history, each having claimed the title twice since the competition’s inception in 2009.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
