East Africa is now one step closer to successfully hosting the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) after Kenya’s Nyayo National Stadium received partial approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
With Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium and Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium already deemed ready, Kenya was the last piece of the puzzle in ensuring the region is fully prepared for the tournament.
There was also a question of the training grounds with works being done at Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku and Kadiba Grounds in Uganda to ensure preparedness ahead of the tournament.
Nyayo’s approval follows a recent two-day CAF inspection, while Kasarani Stadium is nearing completion, signaling significant progress in Kenya’s readiness.
The three nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—are co-hosting CHAN for the first time in history, with matches set to be spread across the three countries.
Kenya is set to host Group A and Group D fixtures, with Group A widely regarded as the “group of death.”
The hosts will face former champions Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia in a highly competitive pool.
Group D, also based in Kenya, features defending champions Senegal alongside Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, and Nigeria.
Tanzania will host Group B, which includes Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, while Uganda will take charge of Group C, featuring Niger, Guinea, and two other teams yet to qualify.
Beyond the historic co-hosting arrangement, CAF has also announced a significant financial boost for the tournament, increasing the total prize pool to $10.4 million.
This move is expected to elevate the stakes and attract even greater competition in the tournament, which exclusively features players who compete in their domestic leagues.
