Joseph Isangura
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August 2025.
Originally slated for early 2024, the tournament will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a historic collaboration between the three East African nations.
CAF explained that while preparations are well underway, more time is needed to meet the stringent requirements for hosting such a prestigious event. The construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure are still ongoing. The decision to delay the tournament comes following detailed assessments by CAF’s Technical and Infrastructure experts, who recommended the extension to ensure all facilities meet the required standards.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed his confidence in the host nations, praising their leaders for their commitment to making CHAN 2025 a success. “The presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have shown incredible dedication to this project. I am confident that by August 2025, the stadiums, training facilities, hotels, and other infrastructure will not only meet but exceed our standards, paving the way for a memorable tournament,” said Dr. Motsepe.
While the announcement has sparked mixed reactions, many football enthusiasts see the delay as a pragmatic move. The additional time is expected to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impact on the host countries.
CAF has also confirmed that the draw for CHAN will proceed as scheduled on January 15, 2025, in Nairobi. The draw will set the stage for the tournament, revealing the participating teams and their group fixtures.
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This postponement highlights the significance of the event for the East African region. The collaboration between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda reflects a shared vision of not only hosting a successful tournament but also fostering regional unity and economic development. The investment in infrastructure is expected to bring long-term benefits, improving facilities for both local and international events in the future.
With eight months to go until the rescheduled tournament, the host nations are doubling down on their preparations. Fans across the continent are eagerly awaiting the championship, hopeful that the delay will result in a world-class event that showcases the best of African football and its growing influence on the global stage.
