CAF Gives Green Light: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania Cleared to Host CHAN 2025 After Final Inspections
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are fully set to co-host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). This follows a thorough eight-day inspection tour conducted by a high-level CAF delegation that assessed all key venues and operational areas across the three East African nations.
The tournament, which will run from August 2 to August 30, 2025, promises to be one of the most memorable editions yet — not just for its competitive football but also for East Africa’s historic role as host.
Nairobi Sets the Tone
The inspection kicked off on July 3 in Nairobi, Kenya. CAF’s team meticulously assessed the capital’s main stadiums — the Kasarani Stadium and the iconic Nyayo National Stadium. Kasarani, selected to host the final, underwent a detailed review covering pitch standards, safety measures, media facilities, and overall infrastructure.
Nyayo Stadium, known for its rich football history, also passed the CAF checks, thanks to upgrades and refurbishments carried out in recent months. According to a CAF spokesperson, both venues showed clear commitment from the Kenyan Local Organising Committee and government partners, signaling readiness to deliver a world-class tournament experience.
Tanzania’s Big Stage: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
The CAF team then proceeded to Tanzania, starting with Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium, which has undergone significant renovations to meet CAF’s hosting standards.
The highlight of the Tanzanian leg of inspections was at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar Es Salaam — the venue earmarked for the tournament’s grand opening. The inspection covered everything from pitch quality and dressing rooms to spectator safety, media zones, and broadcast capabilities.
CAF officials were particularly impressed with Tanzania’s proactive preparations. The Tanzanian government, alongside local organizers, demonstrated high levels of coordination and commitment to meeting CAF’s stringent demands.
Uganda Completes the Circle
On July 9, the final leg of the inspection tour took place in Kampala, Uganda. The Confederation of African Football delegation visited the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, where Ugandan authorities showcased major upgrades including improved seating, enhanced floodlighting systems, and modernized broadcast setups.
Uganda’s presentation capped off a successful inspection tour, with CAF confirming that all three host nations had met the required operational and infrastructural standards.
“The joint commitment of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania is evident. Our comprehensive inspection confirms that these nations are ready to host CHAN 2025 to the highest standards,” said a CAF Infrastructure official.
Workshops and Operational Readiness
Beyond inspecting the stadiums, The Confederation of African Football also conducted critical workshops with local organizing teams. These sessions focused on essential areas such as matchday operations, security measures, ticketing procedures, and broadcast logistics.
CAF emphasized that the workshops were a key part of ensuring seamless execution during the tournament. The collaborative approach between CAF and the three nations’ organizing committees is expected to deliver an event that meets — and potentially exceeds — continental expectations.
Countdown to Kickoff: What’s Next?
With the inspections complete, they will continue to monitor the final operational checks and dry runs scheduled over the coming weeks. These will focus on rehearsing matchday protocols, broadcast rehearsals, and testing security measures across all venues.
As the clock ticks towards the opening match in Dar Es Salaam, football fans across Africa are bracing for a vibrant festival of football that will highlight the best of East Africa’s sporting spirit.
CHAN 2025 promises more than just high-level competition — it’s a statement of unity, ambition, and the growing stature of football in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
READ NEXT:
