The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will commence in February, as confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday, September 16, 2024. This upcoming edition marks a historic moment for the tournament, as it will be co-hosted by three East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
While the detailed schedule for CHAN 2025 has not yet been finalized, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the tournament will begin on February 1.
The announcement brings an end to speculation surrounding the event’s key details, setting the stage for an intensive period of qualifiers.
The first round of qualification matches is slated for October 21-27, 2024, offering a glimpse of the competition that lies ahead for footballers across the continent.
This joint hosting marks the first time in CHAN’s history that the tournament will be spread across multiple countries.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania’s collaboration is seen as a precursor to their more significant undertaking of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
The successful execution of CHAN 2025 will serve as a rehearsal for these nations, offering invaluable experience in managing a continental football event.
However, the CHAN tournament differs considerably from the AFCON in terms of scale and logistics.
With only 16 participating teams, compared to AFCON’s 24, CHAN generally attracts a smaller attendance.
This difference will allow the host nations to test their infrastructure and coordination on a more manageable scale, ensuring they are better prepared for the larger AFCON event.
With CHAN 2025 now firmly on the calendar, attention turns to the qualification process, which will unfold in the coming months.
National teams across the continent will vie for a spot in this exclusive tournament, designed for players who compete in their domestic leagues.
The qualifiers, beginning in October, will be crucial for teams hoping to secure their place in the championship and showcase local talent on a continental stage.
This edition of CHAN will not only be a significant test for the players but also for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as they work in unison to deliver a successful tournament.
The tri-nation effort reflects a growing spirit of cooperation within African football, aiming to enhance the sport’s development and reach across the continent.
The decision to host CHAN 2025 across three nations comes as a promising sign of East Africa’s rising prominence in African football, with the region eager to prove its capability to host major sporting events.
As the countdown begins, the footballing community will be watching closely, anticipating a memorable championship that sets the stage for future successes in the region.
