Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The much-anticipated 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is finally hitting the ground running after a long wait. After a delay that had us on the edge of our seats for eight months (seriously, who thought we wouldn’t twitch?), the tournament kicks off on 2 August and will wrap up on 30 August 2025.
This year’s edition is particularly spicy as it features a record-breaking 19 teams, making it the largest competition in CHAN history. Can you imagine that? If teams were jollof rice, you know we’ll be feasting for days!
Hosted by three nations – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – the matches will take place across five venues in four cities. And guess what? The opening game will be held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in beautiful Dar es Salaam. Can someone send a postcard to my village, please?
Now, why the delay in the first place? Apparently, they discovered some “inadequate infrastructure” that screams “Help us, we need more stadiums and hospitals!” (I mean, come on. Planning for a major tournament should be like planning a party – you don’t want your guests sitting on the floor, right?)
Football fans, hold your horses! This edition sees 19 teams split into four groups. Yes, groups! Just like your group of friends when you go out: you know some gents will show skills while others will just be there for the free food! The top two teams from each group will jump straight to the quarter-finals. So, let’s see who will make the cut!
The sides to watch out for include the mighty Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Morocco, both vying to add more trophies to their cabinets. The DRC has two wins (2009 and 2016) and Morocco’s flexing with back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2020. But we cannot sleep on Nigeria, Senegal, Libya, and Tunisia, who have each tasted glory as well.
As we count down to the opening whistle, here is what’s happening in the group stage so far: Group A is showing Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DRC, and Zambia trying to figure out who will light up the pitch. Meanwhile, Group B is a tussle between Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. And don’t forget Group C, where Uganda and Nigeria could surprise us all!
So, are you ready for the madness of joy, heartbreak, and goals? I know I am! As matches unfold, we’ll keep you updated with fixtures, results, and more. Remember, grab your palm wine (or your favorite drink), sit back, and enjoy the show. Football is here to stay, and it promises to be a good one!
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