MWE Correspondent
The stage is set for a momentous football celebration as Tanzania Mainland prepares to host the opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to kick off on August 2, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The highly anticipated opener will see Taifa Stars—Tanzania’s national football team—take on Burkina Faso, in a match that will begin at 6:00 p.m. East Africa Time, officially launching the continent-wide tournament.
Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN 2024 is unique in its format, allowing only players who play in their home country’s domestic leagues to compete. This year’s edition marks a historic first: the tournament is being co-hosted by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya—a proud moment for the East African football community.
While Tanzania will host the opening ceremony and the first match, Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium in Kampala is set to host the third-place playoff. Meanwhile, the Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani Stadium) in Nairobi, Kenya, will take center stage for the tournament’s grand finale on August 30, 2025.
CAF has also designated Zanzibar as one of the host zones, assigning Group D matches to the Amaan Stadium, further highlighting East Africa’s growing role in continental football. The Amaan Stadium recently made history by hosting the CAF Confederation Cup final in May 2025, elevating Zanzibar’s sports profile.
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The group stage has been divided as follows:
- Group A (Nairobi): Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, 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
For the Taifa Stars, the match against Burkina Faso will be both symbolic and strategic—a chance to energize local fans and set the tone for the home team in a challenging group. With strong competition from teams like Madagascar and Mauritania, advancing past the group stage will require solid performance and strong fan support.
As anticipation builds, the Tanzanian public is being encouraged to rally behind their national side. With ticketing details and the full match schedule expected soon, all eyes are on the opening ceremony, which promises to showcase not only football but also the rich culture and unity of the East African Community (EAC).
CHAN 2024 is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of local talent, regional solidarity, and the beautiful game. From the bustling streets of Dar to the spice-scented air of Zanzibar and the lively capitals of Kampala and Nairobi, the continent is ready to witness East Africa shine.
