CAF postpones CHAN to ‘ensure completion of facilities in host countries’

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), originally set to take place in East Africa from February 1st to 28th, has been postponed. The decision was made due to the host countries—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—not being fully prepared. However, the draw that is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th, will still take place as planned.

In their announcement, CAF stated: “The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to postpone the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) that was to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda until August 2025.

“Significant progress has been made in these countries regarding the construction and enhancement of stadiums, training facilities, hotels, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure for a successful tournament.”

The statement further explained: “Nevertheless, the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts, some of whom have been working in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, have indicated that additional time is needed to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities meet the necessary standards for hosting a successful tournament.”

Motsepe thanks heads of state for progress

CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently commended the dedication of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, highlighting the advancements they have achieved in enhancing their stadiums.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their exceptional leadership and the significant strides made in developing stadiums, training grounds, hotels, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure in preparation for the tournament,” Motsepe stated.

“I am truly impressed by the ongoing construction and upgrades of football facilities across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.”

Motsepe also emphasized that the progress being made by these three countries will align with the standards set by the African governing body by August, when the tournament is scheduled to take place.

“I am confident that by August 2025, the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other facilities will meet the necessary CAF standards for hosting a highly successful tournament.”

CHAN draw to go on as scheduled

The draw for the eighth edition of the tournament is set to take place as scheduled on Wednesday, January 15th, in Nairobi, Kenya.

According to a statement, “CAF will be conducting the draw in Nairobi on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 20:00 Nairobi time.”

The statement also mentioned that “the specific date for the August 2025 tournament, which will be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will be announced by CAF in due course.”

In the meantime, the Kenyan government has confirmed its readiness for the draw happening on Wednesday.

Sports Principal Secretary Engineer Peter Tum noted that all necessary security measures have been put in place, and access to the venue will be by invitation only.

“We are ready to host the draw tomorrow (Wednesday). We have focused on three key areas, particularly event management, and we will conduct a dry run to ensure everything is set for tomorrow (Wednesday),” Tum stated.

Attendees expected at the draw include Tanzania’s Minister for Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, and Uganda’s Minister, Peter Ogwang. Kenya’s President, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, along with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, will be the distinguished guests at this significant event.

The draw is scheduled to occur at the KICC Tsavo Ballroom starting at 20:00 EAT and will be broadcast worldwide.

This year, 19 teams have officially signed up to take part, featuring Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as co-hosts. The lineup also includes Senegal, the reigning champions, along with Morocco, who have won twice before. Other participating nations are Guinea, Mauritania, Niger, the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, the DR Congo, Congo Republic, Nigeria, Sudan, Madagascar, Zambia, and Angola.

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