The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the complete schedule for the qualifiers of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the first-round fixtures set to kick off in late October. A total of 19 teams will earn their spots in the final tournament, which will take place in February 2025.
The qualifiers will commence from October 25 to 27, 2024, for the first leg of the opening round, while the second leg will be played a week later, from November 1 to 3.
The second round of qualifiers is scheduled to unfold from December 20 to 22 for the first leg, followed by the return matches between December 27 and 29.
These stages will determine which teams progress to the final phase of the competition.
The African Nations Championship, which is distinct from the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), is a tournament exclusively for players who are based in their home countries’ domestic leagues.
It provides an opportunity for lesser-known talents across the continent to showcase their abilities on the international stage.
CAF has allocated qualification slots across its five regional zones, with each zone represented by a set number of teams in the final tournament.
The West African regions UFOA A and UFOA B, along with the North African zone UNAF, Central Africa’s UNIFFAC, and Southern Africa’s COSAFA, will each contribute three teams.
Additionally, the CECAFA region, which encompasses the countries of East and Central Africa, will have one extra spot due to it being the host zone for the 2024 tournament.
This distribution reflects the wide geographic participation in the tournament and ensures that teams from all corners of the continent will have a chance to compete in the prestigious event.
The final stage of the CHAN 2024 tournament is scheduled to take place from February 1 to 28, 2025.
The host nation for this edition has yet to be confirmed, but the tournament is expected to bring together Africa’s top domestic football talents for nearly a month of high-intensity competition.
Since its inception in 2009, CHAN has grown in significance, with several players using the tournament as a springboard for transfers to European and other global football leagues.
The competition also provides a platform for African coaches and officials to gain exposure on the international stage.
The anticipation surrounding CHAN 2024 is already building, with several countries set to participate in a series of qualifying matches that promise to deliver thrilling football action.
Fans across the continent will be eager to see which nations will make it through to the final tournament and whether new stars will emerge from this unique competition.
As the qualifiers get underway in October, teams from every corner of the continent will be preparing for their chance to secure a coveted spot in the African Nations Championship, a tournament that continues to grow in stature with each passing edition.
