The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the draw for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will take place on Wednesday, January 15, at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya. This landmark event underscores Kenya’s growing stature on the continental football stage as the country gears up to co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The competition, scheduled from February 1 to 28, offers an opportunity to celebrate African football’s unique vibrancy while serving as a precursor to the region’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
A Proud Moment for Kenya
Hosting the CHAN 2024 draw solidifies Kenya’s central role in a tournament that exclusively showcases players competing in their domestic leagues. Since its inception in 2009, CHAN has been a platform for unearthing raw talent and promoting local leagues across Africa. For Kenya, co-hosting CHAN represents not only a chance to display its organizational prowess but also to reaffirm its position as a footballing hub in East Africa.
CAF’s choice of Nairobi as the venue for the draw further highlights the country’s readiness to meet the expectations of hosting an event of this magnitude. The occasion will mark a historic moment for Kenyan football, with millions of fans tuning in worldwide to witness the unveiling of the group-stage fixtures.
Host Nations and Seeding Advantage
As co-hosts, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are guaranteed a place in Pot 1, ensuring a relatively favorable draw for the group stage. They are joined in the top-seeding bracket by defending champions Senegal and Morocco, who earned their spots based on strong performances in the last three editions of the tournament (2022, 2020, and 2018).
The official draw for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is set to take place in Nairobi on January 15, 2024. #CHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/qqRWYgi8uW
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) January 5, 2025
CAF’s seeding system divides the 17 qualified teams into three pots. Pot 2 will feature notable teams such as Guinea, Zambia, Madagascar, and Sudan, while Pot 3 will include Mauritania, Niger, Congo, Angola, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This structure ensures a balanced group-stage composition, setting the stage for highly competitive matches.
Kenya’s Preparations Underway
Kenya has committed to providing two primary venues for the tournament: the Nyayo National Stadium and the Moi International Sports Stadium in Kasarani. Renovation work is ongoing at both sites to meet CAF’s stringent requirements for international tournaments. Recent updates indicate that Nyayo Stadium, in particular, has made significant progress, boosting confidence in Kenya’s readiness to deliver world-class facilities for the competition.
The tournament will not only be a footballing spectacle but also a major economic event. With thousands of fans, officials, and teams expected to arrive, the competition presents an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s cultural richness, hospitality, and infrastructure. Local businesses, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, stand to benefit significantly from the influx of visitors.
Kenyan Referees in the Spotlight
Adding to the sense of national pride, three Kenyan referees—Peter Waweru Kamaku, Dickens Mimisa, and Samuel Kuria—have been selected to officiate during CHAN 2024. Their inclusion reflects Kenya’s growing reputation for excellence in football officiating on the international stage. Their presence will bring local flavor to the tournament and inspire future generations of referees in the region.
A Regional Collaboration
Co-hosting CHAN 2024 with Uganda and Tanzania symbolizes the growing unity and ambition of East African nations. This collaboration showcases the region’s capability to organize high-profile events and sets a benchmark for future tournaments. For Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the tournament is an opportunity to elevate their footballing infrastructure and promote regional talent.
The event also strengthens East Africa’s bid to leave a lasting impression on the global footballing community, paving the way for a successful AFCON 2027. CHAN 2024 serves as a test run for the logistical and organizational challenges that come with hosting a continental championship, ensuring the three nations are well-prepared for the future.
The Draw: An Anticipated Moment
The January 15 draw is one of the most eagerly awaited moments leading up to the tournament. Fans and teams alike are keen to learn their group-stage opponents, setting the stage for intense rivalries and exciting matches. The ceremony at KICC will be a spectacle, bringing together CAF officials, team representatives, and football enthusiasts to celebrate the spirit of African football.
A Showcase of African Talent
CHAN has always been a celebration of local talent, providing a platform for players competing in domestic leagues to shine on the international stage. For fans, the tournament offers a chance to witness the next generation of African stars in action. Over the years, CHAN has unearthed numerous players who have gone on to achieve global recognition, highlighting the depth and quality of football across the continent.
Kenya’s hosting of the draw and the tournament itself will further emphasize the role of football as a unifying force. Beyond the matches, CHAN 2024 is a cultural and economic event, fostering connections between nations and showcasing the vibrancy of East Africa.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to February 1 begins, Kenya is working tirelessly to ensure the success of CHAN 2024. From finalizing stadium renovations to hosting the much-anticipated draw, the country is poised to make this tournament a memorable experience for players, fans, and officials alike.
For Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, CHAN 2024 is more than just a football tournament—it is a chance to demonstrate their readiness to host AFCON 2027 and leave a lasting legacy for African football. With the draw just weeks away, the excitement is palpable as East Africa prepares to take center stage in the world of football.
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