The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), originally scheduled for February 2025. The tournament, set to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will now take place in August 2025. The decision was revealed in a statement addressing the need for additional time to meet CAF’s stringent infrastructure standards.
Progress and Challenges in Infrastructure Development
CAF acknowledged the commendable efforts made by the three East African Community (EAC) nations in improving infrastructure essential for the tournament. This includes work on:
- Stadium construction and upgrades
- Training fields
- Accommodation facilities
- Hospitals and other key amenities
Despite this progress, CAF’s Technical and Infrastructure experts determined that the facilities are not yet at the requisite level to host a successful CHAN. Following a detailed inspection, areas requiring improvement were identified, particularly in Kenya.
“More time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities are at the levels necessary for hosting a successful Total Energies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”),” the statement read.
Gratitude from CAF Leadership
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe extended his gratitude to the presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for their leadership and commitment to the tournament’s preparation:
“I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other infrastructure will meet CAF standards for a successful CHAN in August 2025.”
Current Status of Preparations
The announcement comes as a disappointment to Kenya, which had aimed to showcase its capacity to meet international deadlines. Spot checks revealed the following:
- Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani: Progressing but lagging in some sections.
- Nyayo National Stadium: Approximately 80% complete, with ongoing work on the grass and dressing rooms.
Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya expressed optimism despite the postponement, highlighting the significance of hosting the CHAN draw in Nairobi. The draw is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) at 8:00 PM Kenyan time.
Next Steps
CAF has yet to announce the exact start date for the tournament in August 2025. The postponement provides additional time for the host nations to align their infrastructure with CAF’s standards, ensuring the successful execution of the Total Energies African Nations Championship.
Stay tuned for more updates on the CHAN tournament and progress in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
