The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the match schedule for the highly anticipated 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tournament, which showcases domestic-based talent from across the continent, is set to kick off on August 2 and will run until August 30.
This year marks the 8th edition of the CHAN tournament, a biennial event designed exclusively for players active in their home leagues. With national pride and scouting opportunities on the line, the stage is set for intense competition across East Africa.
Tournament Kick-off in Dar es Salaam
The opening match will take place on Saturday, August 2, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Co-hosts Tanzania will welcome Burkina Faso in what promises to be an exciting curtain-raiser set for 20:00 local time.
The action then shifts to Kenya the following day. Nairobi will host two blockbuster games on Sunday, August 3. Hosts Kenya, under the guidance of South African head coach Benni McCarthy, will play their opening Group A fixture against DR Congo at 15:00 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Later that evening, Morocco will face Angola at Nyayo National Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 18:00.
Meanwhile, back in Tanzania, Sunday’s triple-header continues as Madagascar take on Mauritania at 20:00 in the same venue that hosted the tournament opener.
Uganda Takes Centre Stage
On Monday, August 4, the action moves to Uganda. Mandela Stadium in Kampala will host two Group C fixtures: Niger will face Guinea at 17:00, followed by co-hosts Uganda going up against Algeria at 20:00 local time.
The group stage will be contested across four groups:
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Group A (Nairobi): Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia
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Group B (Dar es Salaam): Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Mauritania, Central African Republic
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Group C (Kampala): Uganda, Algeria, Niger, Guinea, South Africa
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Group D (Zanzibar): Senegal, Sudan, Congo, Nigeria
CAF also confirmed that the knockout rounds will begin after the group stage ends mid-month, with the third-place play-off set for Friday, August 29, in Kampala, and the grand final scheduled for Saturday, August 30, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
Kenya’s Path in Group A
Kenya’s local-based national team faces a challenging path in Group A, which is one of the most competitive groups in the tournament. After opening against DR Congo on August 3, the Harambee Stars will take on Angola on Tuesday, August 7, at Nyayo Stadium. Their third group match pits them against North African heavyweights Morocco on Sunday, August 10. They’ll round off their group campaign on Sunday, August 17, in a critical clash with Zambia.
The team will be hoping for strong home support to push them past the group stage in what will be their fourth CHAN appearance. With McCarthy at the helm and a crop of domestic stars ready to shine, expectations are high.
The full #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 schedule is . pic.twitter.com/ClO2hqZH8f
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) June 27, 2025
Zanzibar Joins as Surprise Host
In a notable development, Zanzibar will also host Group D fixtures. The newly refurbished Amaan Stadium has been added as a venue following the successful hosting of the CAF Confederation Cup final between Simba SC and RS Berkane. CAF commended the venue’s quality, affirming Zanzibar’s growing role in regional football development.
Uganda Gears Up with Strong Squad
Uganda has already named a 41-man provisional squad for the tournament. Head coach Fred Muhumuza and assistant Morley Byekwaso have selected players exclusively from the Ugandan Premier League, as per CHAN regulations.
Among the standout names are forwards Milton Karisa and Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC), midfielder Allan Okello (Vipers SC), and goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC). The Cranes are aiming to break their group stage jinx after failing to progress past the first round in previous appearances.
A Showcase of Local Talent
Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN is exclusively reserved for players featuring in their domestic leagues. This makes the tournament an essential platform for scouts, agents, and clubs looking for emerging African talent. Many players have used CHAN as a springboard to international careers, and 2024 is expected to be no different.
With three host nations, logistical coordination has been a top priority for CAF and the Local Organising Committees. The match schedule is designed to balance local hosting duties while providing a continental spectacle worthy of the football-loving fans in East Africa.
Anticipation Builds Across the Region
The presence of three host nations adds a unique flair to the tournament. Each of the hosts—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—will be looking to make an impression on home soil. Fans across the region are expected to turn out in large numbers, bringing colour, culture, and an electric atmosphere to the stadiums.
With a well-balanced mix of established footballing nations and dark horses, CHAN 2024 promises high drama, passionate support, and unforgettable football moments.
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