The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), rescheduled to run from August 2 to August 30, 2025. This marks the first time three countries will jointly host the CHAN tournament, serving as a rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also to be co-hosted by these East African nations. Below is a detailed overview of the confirmed stadiums and the specific games each country will host for CHAN 2025, based on available information.
Confirmed Stadiums and Hosted Games For CHAN 2025
Tanzania
Stadiums:
Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium (Dar es Salaam, 60,000 capacity): A CAF-accredited, modern stadium built in 2007, currently undergoing renovations to meet FIFA and CAF standards. It is a primary venue for Tanzania’s CHAN matches.
New Amaan Complex, Zanzibar: Recently modernized (completed December 2023), this stadium is confirmed as a CHAN venue.
Games Hosted:
Opening Match: Tanzania will host the CHAN 2025 opening match at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on August 2, 2025.
Group Stage Matches:
Group B: Matches featuring Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic will be held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Group D: Clashes involving Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria will take place at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Tanzania’s readiness has been affirmed by government officials, with infrastructure, medical facilities, and accommodations meeting CAF requirements.
Kenya
Stadiums:
Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani (Nairobi, 60,000 capacity): A key venue undergoing renovations, earmarked for CHAN and AFCON 2027. It is a historic stadium for Kenyan football.
Nyayo National Stadium (Nairobi, capacity approximately 30,000): Also under renovation, strategically located near Nairobi’s CBD, making it accessible for fans.
Games Hosted:
Final Match: Kenya will host the CHAN 2025 final at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on August 30, 2025.
Group Stage Matches:
Group A: Matches involving Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia will be held at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums in Nairobi.
Kenya has faced challenges with stadium readiness, having no CAF-approved venues at the time of bidding in 2023. However, renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo are being expedited, with CAF inspections noting progress.
Uganda
Stadiums:
Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (Kampala, 45,000 capacity): Recently renovated and CAF-approved in 2024, this is Uganda’s primary venue for international matches.
Games Hosted:
Third-Place Match: Uganda will host the third-place playoff at Mandela Stadium in Kampala.
Group Stage Matches:
Group C: Matches featuring Uganda, Niger, Guinea, South Africa, and Algeria will be held at Mandela Stadium in Kampala.
Uganda’s Namboole Stadium was delisted by CAF in 2020 but regained approval after renovations, making it ready for CHAN 2025.
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Additional Context for CHAN 2025
Tournament Structure
CHAN 2025 will feature 19 teams, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania automatically qualifying as hosts. The tournament is reserved for players active in their domestic leagues, providing a platform for local talent.
Infrastructure Challenges
All three countries have been upgrading stadiums and related infrastructure (hotels, hospitals, roads) to meet CAF’s stringent standards. Tanzania is furthest along, with two CAF-approved venues, while Kenya and Uganda have faced delays, prompting CAF to postpone CHAN from February to August 2025 to allow more preparation time.
AFCON 2027 Preparations
The CHAN tournament is a critical test for the trio’s ability to host AFCON 2027, which will require at least six stadiums (two with 40,000+ capacity, two with 20,000+, and two with 15,000+). Additional venues proposed for AFCON 2027 include:
Kenya: Kipchoge Keino Stadium (Eldoret, 10,000 capacity, under expansion), Talanta Sports Stadium (Nairobi, 60,000 capacity, under construction).
Tanzania: Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium (Arusha, 30,000 capacity, under construction), Azam Sports Complex (Chamazi), CCM Kirumba Stadium (Mwanza).
Uganda: Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium (Kampala, 35,000 capacity, under renovation), potential venues in Houma, Fort Portal, Lira, and Mbarara.
