The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the inclusion of Congo in the 2024 edition of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), following the last-minute disqualification of Equatorial Guinea.
The decision, which had been widely reported in recent days, was formally announced after the CAF Appeals Board ruled against Equatorial Guinea’s eligibility.
As a result, Congo has been drafted into Group D, joining Senegal, Sudan, and Nigeria in the tournament set to take place across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 2 to 30 August 2025.
Congo’s unexpected return to the CHAN stage comes after they initially missed out on qualification.
The announcement adds fresh intrigue to Group D, which will see matches hosted in Zanzibar, one of the four designated host cities for the competition.
CAF’s confirmation read: “Following the decision of the CAF Appeals Board, Equatorial Guinea has been disqualified from CHAN 2024. Consequently, Congo will take their place in Group D.”
The ruling brings an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the eligibility status of Equatorial Guinea, who were initially drawn into the group before an objection was raised over player registration irregularities.
The Appeals Board’s review concluded that Equatorial Guinea had breached the tournament’s regulations, leaving the door open for Congo’s reinstatement.
CHAN 2024 will feature 20 teams across four groups, with matches held in Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.
It will be the first time the competition is hosted by three countries, a milestone intended to reflect greater regional cooperation and the growing stature of East African football.
The venue allocations include:
- Opening Match: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
- Third-Place Match: Mandela National Stadium, Kampala (Uganda)
- Final Match: Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi (Kenya)
Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium will host Group D matches, where Congo now finds itself tasked with a difficult group-stage campaign against formidable opposition.
The late call-up offers a fresh opportunity for Congo to reassert itself on the continental stage and seek progress in a tournament reserved for players active in their national leagues.
CAF is expected to release the updated full schedule and further logistical details in the coming days, as final preparations intensify across the host nations.
