In Summary:
- Kenya’s main stadium, Kasarani, is fully renovated and ready to host the CHAN 2024 final on August 30.
- Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are all hosting matches, showing East Africa’s readiness for the tournament.
- The national team will play Group A matches at Kasarani, aiming to win the trophy at home.
Kenya has officially announced that its main stadium, Kasarani, is ready to host the final match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on August 30. This is a big step for Kenya, which is co-hosting the tournament with Uganda, Tanzania, and now Zanzibar. With key stadiums upgraded and the Harambee Stars getting ready to play their Group A matches at home, East Africa is set to deliver an exciting football championship.
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Kasarani: Kenya’s Main Venue and Final Host
The Moi International Sports Centre, famously known as Kasarani, has undergone extensive renovations to meet international standards for the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, presided over the symbolic handover, emphasizing its importance not just for Kenya but for the entire East African region.
He stated that this achievement “reaffirms our standing as a premier destination for international competitions and sets the stage for hosting future continental tournaments, including the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”
Kasarani is set to be a central hub for the competition, hosting all matches for Group A, which includes the host nation, Kenya, along with formidable teams like DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia.
The Harambee Stars, under the guidance of South African head coach Benni McCarthy, will kick off their CHAN campaign at their home ground against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3.
Mvurya also confirmed that the two refurbished training grounds adjacent to the main stadium are ready for use, allowing teams to test the playing surfaces with actual matches.
Co-Hosts and Key Venues Across East Africa
The 8th edition of the CHAN tournament is a collaborative effort, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, running from August 2 to August 30, 2025.
While Kasarani takes center stage for Group A and the final, other key venues across the region are also prepared for action.
- Tanzania: The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will have the honor of hosting the opening match of the tournament, featuring the Taifa Stars of Tanzania against Burkina Faso.
- Uganda: The iconic Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala is designated to stage important early fixtures for Group C.
- Zanzibar: A recent addition to the list of venues is the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. This stadium, which recently hosted the CAF Confederation Cup final, will be the home for Group D matches, featuring Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria. This expansion highlights the regional commitment to ensuring top-tier facilities for all participating nations.
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Nyayo Stadium and Team Kenya Preparations
Beyond Kasarani, Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium will also play a crucial role, hosting several Group A fixtures, including the highly anticipated match between Morocco and Angola.
Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya provided a positive update on Nyayo Stadium’s readiness, confirming that “The playing surface and facilities inside the stadium are ready.”
He indicated that the only remaining task was the completion of a new perimeter wall, a specific security directive from CAF inspectors, which he assured would be finished within “the next two days.”
Mvurya also addressed the preparations for the Harambee Stars, promising close collaboration with the Football Kenya Federation to ensure the team receives optimal training.
His message was clear: “They’ll be playing on home soil, and we want the trophy to stay here.”
In a broader appeal, he urged Kenyans to protect public facilities, strongly condemning vandalism.
“We spend a lot of money on these stadiums. When they are damaged, we have to create new budgets, and that stalls progress,” he cautioned, emphasizing the shared responsibility in safeguarding national assets.
With venues secured, stadiums upgraded, and the countdown officially underway, East Africa is poised to deliver a historic CHAN tournament that promises an exciting month of football for fans across the continent.
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