The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially dubbed CHAN PAMOJA 2024, kicks off this Saturday in Dar es Salaam with a host of groundbreaking developments, including a brand-new trophy and a dramatic 75% increase in prize money for the tournament winners.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that this year’s champions will walk away with a record USD 3.5 million—up from USD 2 million in the last edition—while the total prize pool for the tournament has climbed 32% to USD 10.4 million.

This financial boost underscores the growing status and commercial value of CHAN, the continent’s premier tournament for players competing exclusively in their national domestic leagues.

Adding to the sense of occasion is the introduction of a newly designed trophy, symbolizing a new era for the competition.

The prestigious silverware will be contested throughout the month-long event, which features 19 teams and will, for the first time in history, be co-hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The opening match will see hosts Tanzania face Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam this Saturday with kick-off scheduled for 20h00 local time (17h00 GMT).

Matches will be played across four cities—Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kampala, and Nairobi—culminating in the final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, on August 30. The third-place playoff will be held in Kampala a day earlier.

The expanded format and multi-nation hosting reflect CAF’s ambition to elevate CHAN to new heights, both in terms of reach and competitiveness.

Heavyweights such as defending champions Senegal, two-time winners Morocco and DR Congo, along with Algeria, Nigeria, Zambia, and South Africa, are among the teams expected to light up the tournament.

The draw has produced several compelling group matchups. Group A features hosts Kenya alongside Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia in what promises to be a fiercely contested pool.

Group B, where hosts Tanzania are drawn, also includes debutants Central African Republic, as well as Madagascar, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.

Group C will provide high-stakes action with Algeria, Uganda, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger battling for supremacy, while Group D features just four teams—Senegal, Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan—but boasts some of the tournament’s most successful sides.

With ticket sales already underway and fan engagement campaigns in full swing across all three host nations, CHAN PAMOJA 2024 promises to be a celebration of African football, culture, and unity. It also serves as a crucial platform for unearthing and showcasing local talent poised to break into the international spotlight.

As anticipation builds, all eyes now turn to Dar es Salaam for the much-awaited opening whistle of what is shaping up to be the most ambitious and lucrative CHAN tournament to date.

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Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles have been handed a potential advantage ahead of their opening Group D clash at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), as defending champions Senegal have lost their first-choice goalkeeper, Idrissa Ndiaye, to injury.

Ndiaye, who plays for Génération Foot, was forced off during the Senegal Cup final, which his club won 1-0 against Jaraaf.

The injury has now ruled him out of the CHAN tournament, just days before Senegal face Nigeria in their opening fixture on August 5.

The setback is a significant blow to the Teranga Lions’ preparations, with Ndiaye widely regarded as a key figure in coach Souleymane Diallo’s squad.

In response, Diallo has called up Cheikh Lô Ndoye of Jaraaf Dakar as a late replacement. Ndoye, a consistent performer in the Senegalese Ligue 1, was not initially named in the final squad but will now join the team in Tanzania on August 4, just 24 hours before the clash with Nigeria.

Ndoye joins Marco Diouf (Teungueth FC) and Samba Mballo (US Gorée) as the goalkeeping options available to Senegal for this 8th edition of the CHAN, which is exclusively for players plying their trade in their domestic leagues.

Nigeria, aiming for a strong start in a tough group, will be hoping to capitalise on any disruption in the Senegalese camp. After their opener against the Super Eagles, the Teranga Lions will go on to face Congo on August 12 and Sudan on August 19.

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The stage is set for yet another unforgettable edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda prepare to jointly host the tournament for the first time in history.

This triple-hosting not only marks a milestone for the competition but also serves as a dress rehearsal for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which will also be held across the three East African nations.

A total of 19 teams will compete for the continental crown, including defending champions Senegal, two-time winners Morocco and DR Congo, as well as powerhouses Nigeria, Algeria, and Zambia.

CAFOnline provides an analysis of the group stages of the much-anticipated competition set to run between 02 – 30 August 2025.

Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia

Group A is arguably the toughest group of the tournament, featuring three continental heavyweights.

Hosts Kenya will have to be at their absolute best to compete with former champions Morocco and DR Congo, who have lifted the title twice.

Zambia, known for their attacking flair, add another dangerous contender. Angola, with their physical and disciplined style, have a history of upsetting bigger names and could disrupt the group’s expected order.

For Kenya, playing at home might offer a crucial edge, but they’ll need to hit the ground running to survive a group where every point will be fiercely contested.

Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic

Tanzania leads this group with the advantage of home support in Dar es Salaam, but they’ll face stiff competition.

Burkina Faso brings tournament experience and tactical discipline, while Mauritania has made steady progress in recent years and will be eager to showcase their growth.

Madagascar, surprise quarter-finalists at the AFCON 2019, have shown they can rise to big occasions and will fancy their chances of advancing.

Debutants Central African Republic are the unknown quantity — they could struggle or spring surprises, especially if underestimated.

Group B promises unpredictable results and tight battles for the top two spots.

Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa

Kampala will host one of the most intriguing groups. Co-host Uganda has made significant strides in recent years and will be aiming for a deep run on home soil, relying on a passionate fan base.

Algeria’s pedigree as former AFCON champions and their physical, high-intensity play make them one of the favourites.

Guinea, known for producing technically gifted players, will be a dangerous opponent if they can convert their potential into consistent performances.

Niger has experience at the competition and often plays with a compact defensive approach that frustrates opponents.

South Africa, with a strong squad of domestic-based stars, is determined to go beyond their previous CHAN performances and make a statement, but consistency will be key.

Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria

Though the smallest group, Group D, packs quality. Defending champions Senegal will enter as favourites with their solid defensive structure and quick transitions.

Nigeria’s CHAN teams have historically been competitive, and with the local league brimming with talent, they’ll be confident of challenging for the top spot.

Congo’s physicality and direct style make them a tough opponent for any side, while Sudan has a history of overachieving at CHAN and will aim to rekindle that magic.

With only four teams, every match becomes a high-stakes affair, and a single slip could cost a place in the quarterfinals.

Fixtures To Watch
The tournament will kick off on Saturday, 2 August 2025, with Tanzania hosting Burkina Faso at Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium at 20h00 local time (17h00 GMT).

Sunday, 3 August, will see Nairobi come alive with two fixtures: Kenya faces DR Congo at 15h00 local time (12h00 GMT) at Moi International Sports Centre.

Morocco meets Angola at 18h00 local time (15h00 GMT) at Nyayo Stadium. Later that evening, Madagascar will play Mauritania back in Dar es Salaam at 20h00 (17h00 GMT).

The action shifts to Kampala on Monday, 4 August, where Uganda will meet Algeria at 20h00 local time (17h00 GMT), preceded by Niger vs. Guinea at 17h00 local time (14h00 GMT) — both at Mandela Stadium.

The Third-Place Playoff is scheduled for Friday, 29 August in Kampala at 18h00 local time (15h00 GMT).

The grand final will take place in Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre on Saturday, 30 August 2025, with kick-off set for 18h00 local time (15h00 GMT).

As anticipation builds, fans across Africa and beyond can look forward to a month of thrilling football as CHAN 2024 showcases the best talent from domestic leagues across the continent.

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