East Africa on edge as CAF set to officially announce 2024 CHAN hosts

Moutarou Balde of Senegal celebrates with the trophy after their victory over Algeria in the 7th African Nations Championship final on February 4, 2023. ©IMAGO

East Africa on edge as CAF set to officially announce 2024 CHAN hosts

Festus Chuma 12:01 - 21.06.2024

CAF Exco is set to announce if Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host the 2024 CHAN, promoting local football talent.

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are poised to learn their fate this Friday as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee prepares to officially announce the hosts for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The decision, expected to follow a virtual meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, will confirm whether the three nations will indeed co-host the tournament dedicated to showcasing the talents of home-based players from across Africa.

The CHAN tournament, integral to CAF’s strategy to foster football development in the continent, emphasizes the promotion of local talent by featuring players who compete in their domestic leagues.

The upcoming announcement has garnered significant attention, reflecting the tournament's growing stature and its role in enhancing the competitive landscape of African football.

In October 2023, the Kenyan government had green-lighted plans to host the 16-team tournament, with Wallace Karia, the president of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA), indicating in December that the event would be expanded across the East African region.

"Next year in September, we've been given the CHAN hosting rights in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Each nation, along with Zanzibar, will provide one venue for the competition," Karia stated during the Tanzania Football Federation's annual general meeting in Iringa.

While the rights to stage the tournament were reportedly awarded to these nations, formal confirmation from the CAF Executive Committee has been pending.

The committee's endorsement is crucial, as it will validate the host nations’ readiness and capabilities to stage a world-class event.

Factors such as infrastructure, logistics, and commercial viability have been under scrutiny, with CAF conducting thorough inspections of the proposed venues in each country.

The significance of the announcement extends beyond the confirmation of the host countries.

It represents a critical step in CAF's ongoing efforts to promote football across the continent, providing a platform for local players to shine and gain international exposure.

"This tournament not only celebrates the rich football talent found within our domestic leagues but also serves as a catalyst for economic and infrastructural development in the host countries," Karia added.

Algeria's hosting of the 2022 CHAN, which took place in January and February 2023 after delays, highlighted the tournament's ability to unite the continent through sport despite logistical challenges.

Senegal emerged victorious in a competition that was particularly memorable due to Morocco’s withdrawal over travel disputes.

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