The draw for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania 2024 was held at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The tournament, scheduled for August 2025, promises thrilling matches and marks a significant milestone in African football history.
Kenya Makes CHAN Debut in Group A
Making their CHAN debut, Kenya has been drawn into Group A, facing formidable opponents Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. Despite the challenges, Harambee Stars assistant head coach John Kimani remains optimistic:
“This draw sets the stage for us to aim for a larger purpose, such as securing future World Cup qualifications. With good preparation, we believe we can rise to the occasion and make a mark on the continental stage.”
Speaking at the draw, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga expressed optimism in Stars making out of the pool.
“We are in a group of death but hopefully we make to the next round.”
The Harambee Stars have struggled against Morocco in past encounters, with no recorded wins against the North African giants.
The two countries have faced each other three times with the last encounter dating back to 2014 when Morocco defeated Kenya 3-0 in a friendly match.
A Historic Co-Hosting Event
This year’s CHAN tournament is historic as it will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the first time in the competition’s history. Initially scheduled for February 2025, the tournament was rescheduled to August 2025 to ensure world-class infrastructure and facilities are in place.
CAF also announced a 75% increase in prize money, with the champions set to receive $3.5 million and a total prize pool of $10.4 million.
Group Stage Highlights
- Group A (Kenya’s Group): Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, Zambia.
- Group B (Tanzania as hosts): Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic.
- Group C (Uganda as hosts): Niger, Guinea, Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2.
- Group D (Defending champions Senegal): Congo, Sudan, Nigeria.
Two slots remain open, with Algeria, Comoros, Gambia, Malawi, Egypt, South Africa, and Gabon competing to fill them as Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2.
