Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – In a monumental milestone for African football, East African nations Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are set to make history on Saturday, August 3, as they jointly host the 2025 edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Nations Championship (CHAN)—a tournament exclusively reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues.
This year’s CHAN marks the first time in the competition’s history that three nations will co-host the event, signalling East Africa’s growing influence in African football and its readiness to stage world-class tournaments. The championship, running from August 3 to August 30, is also a critical precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the same trio of countries will also co-host.
A First for Three Nations
The 2025 CHAN features 19 teams drawn from across the continent, and matches will be played across venues in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Nairobi (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda).
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe hailed the tri-nation arrangement as a “powerful symbol of regional unity and football development,” noting that it sets the stage for a successful 2027 AFCON.
“This tournament is more than football—it is about building infrastructure, celebrating African talent, and uniting nations through sport,” Motsepe said during the tournament’s opening press conference in Dar es Salaam.
Star-Studded Group Lineups
The tournament’s Group A features an exciting mix of teams, including two-time champions Morocco, host nation Kenya, Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The matches in this group will be staged in Nairobi, with fans eager to see if Kenya can ride the wave of home support to make it into the knockout rounds for the first time in CHAN history.
Over in Group C, co-hosts Uganda will face a tough challenge, drawn alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. Uganda, who have participated in six of the previous seven editions of CHAN, are yet to progress beyond the group stage—a record the Cranes are hoping to change this year.
Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, said his side is well prepared and inspired by the home advantage. “We are not just participating; we are competing. This time, we want to go far. Our fans deserve that,” he told reporters in Kampala ahead of the group’s first fixture.
Meanwhile, Group B will see action in Tanzania and features defending champions Senegal, who kick off their title defense against Nigeria on August 5 in Zanzibar. The group also includes Mali, Ethiopia, and Burundi.
Spotlight on Local Talent
The CHAN tournament is unique in that it only allows players who compete in their national domestic leagues. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, which often features European-based stars, CHAN serves as a platform to showcase homegrown talent and boost the profile of local football leagues across the continent.
CAF has reiterated that no player currently playing for a club outside their country is eligible for selection—making CHAN a breeding ground for future continental and international stars.
“This tournament is a celebration of African football from the ground up. These are the players who energize our local leagues, and CHAN gives them the spotlight they deserve,” said CAF Technical Director Abdel Mounir.
Preparations and Legacy
The three host countries have invested significantly in upgrading stadiums and training facilities ahead of CHAN 2025. Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, and Kenya’s Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi have all undergone refurbishments to meet CAF standards.
“This investment is not just for CHAN. It is for our youth, our leagues, and our long-term football vision,” stated Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, emphasizing the government’s commitment to sporting development.
Beyond infrastructure, the tournament is expected to have a positive impact on tourism and regional cooperation. Hotels across the three capitals report increased bookings, and local vendors are hoping to cash in on the surge in visitors.
Toward AFCON 2027
The successful hosting of CHAN will serve as a litmus test for the three nations ahead of AFCON 2027, the continent’s biggest football competition. It will also allow CAF and local organizing committees to evaluate readiness in terms of logistics, crowd management, and hospitality.
CAF has been working closely with the local organizing committees of the three countries to ensure a seamless and secure tournament. Enhanced security measures, improved ticketing systems, and transport coordination are already in place.
Anticipation Builds
Fans across East Africa are brimming with excitement, with football-themed street festivals, flag parades, and local fan zones set up in several major cities. The enthusiasm is particularly high among young fans who see CHAN not only as entertainment but as a moment of national pride.
“I never thought I’d see such a big African tournament here in Tanzania. It makes me proud and inspired to support our team,” said Fahad Nyangwine, a football academy student from Dar es Salaam.
Final Word
As the opening match kicks off in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, the eyes of the continent will be on East Africa. The 2025 CHAN tournament isn’t just a contest of goals and glory—it’s a celebration of African unity, homegrown excellence, and a powerful rehearsal for something even bigger on the horizon.
Let the games begin.
