CHAN 2024: Dar for Opener, Nairobi for Final as Zanzibar Joins Historic Tournament

East Africa is about to shine on the continental stage. The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament reserved exclusively for players active in their home leagues, will be hosted across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and, for the first time, Zanzibar. With Dar es Salaam set to host the opening match and Nairobi booked for the grand final, this edition is more than a competition—it’s a regional celebration of local footballing talent.

A New Era of Co-Hosting Across East Africa

For the first time in CHAN’s history, the competition will span four cities across three countries—and an island territory. The tournament will run from August 2 to August 30, 2025, offering fans a month-long spectacle of Betsure Sports football excellence, cultural showcase, and cross-border unity.

Official Host Cities and Venues:

This hosting arrangement reflects East Africa’s ambition to strengthen its footballing identity and infrastructure in anticipation of co-hosting AFCON 2027.

Zanzibar Joins the Big Stage

In a landmark move, Zanzibar has been selected as one of the host venues for CHAN 2024. This marks the island’s debut in a CAF senior-level men’s tournament and symbolizes growing inclusivity in African football.

The Amaan Stadium, nestled in the heart of Zanzibar City, will host Group D, which features

• Senegal
• Congo (replacing Equatorial Guinea)
• Sudan
• Nigeria

Zanzibar’s inclusion not only brings a new flavor to the tournament but also opens tourism and economic opportunities for the island, which boasts a mix of historic culture and tropical charm.

⚽ Tournament Highlights: Fixtures and Focus

• Opening Match – August 2
  Held in Dar es Salaam, the opening ceremony and first match will draw continental attention and energize fans across Tanzania.
  
• Group Stage Breakdown:
  
  • Group A—Nairobi: Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, Zambia
    
  • Group B – Dar es Salaam: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic
    
  • Group C – Kampala: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, South Africa, Algeria
    
  • Group D—Zanzibar: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria
    
• Third-Place Match—Hosted in Kampala
  
• Final Match—August 30 Held at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, the final promises to be a spectacular close to a month of action.

Why CHAN 2024 Matters

1. Regional Unity
   By spreading the tournament across multiple countries, CHAN 2024 becomes a symbol of East African cooperation and cultural pride.
   
2. Local Talent Showcased
   As a tournament exclusive to home-based players, Betsure Sports Basketball CHAN highlights the depth of talent that exists within domestic leagues, often overlooked on the global stage.
   
3. Infrastructure Development
   All four host cities have invested in upgrades to stadiums, transport, and accommodation, leaving a legacy that extends beyond the tournament.
   
4. Boost to Tourism & Business
   From Zanzibar’s beaches to Nairobi’s nightlife and Kampala’s hospitality, the tournament is expected to attract thousands of visitors, boosting local economies and visibility.

🔮 What Lies Ahead

As kickoff nears, participating nations will finalize their squads and begin regional camps. Ticketing information, media credentials, and fan engagement initiatives are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks. The region is already buzzing with anticipation, and the participating cities are preparing to deliver an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and viewers across the continent.

✍️Final Thoughts

CHAN 2024 is more than just football—it’s a celebration of unity, growth, and potential. From the opening roar in Dar es Salaam to the final whistle in Nairobi, and from the cultural charm of Zanzibar to the vibrancy of Kampala, this edition promises to elevate East African football to new heights.