August 1, 2025Kampala, Uganda –
The stage is set, the stadiums are ready, and the players are fired up as the 2025 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) officially kicks off tomorrow, Saturday 2nd August, across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
This year’s tournament marks a historic milestone as it becomes the first-ever CHAN to be jointly hosted by three nations, reflecting East Africa’s growing prominence in continental football.
Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN is a unique tournament that features only players who play in their home country’s domestic leagues.
Now in its 8th edition, the championship provides a vital platform for showcasing local talent to international scouts and clubs.
Triple Hosting:
A First in CHAN HistoryThis year’s CHAN is being held in:
Uganda – Mandela National Stadium (Kampala)
Kenya – Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre (Nairobi)
Tanzania – Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (Dar es Salaam) and
Amaan Stadium (Zanzibar)
The triple hosting has brought a strong sense of regional unity and offered a rare opportunity for local fans in each country to witness continental football live in their home stadiums. Opening Match – 2 AugustThe tournament will kick off with an electrifying
Group A clash:Tanzania vs. Burkina Faso Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam Kick-off: 8:00 PM
EATA colorful opening ceremony featuring East African cultural performances will precede the match.
The 2025 CHAN brings together 19 qualified national teams drawn from Africa’s six footballing zones.
The tournament features a group stage, followed by knockout rounds, with the final set for August 30, 2025.Notably, defending champions Senegal are absent from this year’s edition, opening the door for a new champion to rise.
Among the favorites are Morocco, DR Congo, and Mali, while hosts Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania hope to capitalize on home support.
Uganda’s national CHAN team, the Cranes, will begin their campaign on August 4 at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala against Algeria.
Head coach Paul Put has named a youthful but experienced squad composed of local stars from the Uganda Premier League, including SC Villa, Vipers, and KCCA FC.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Coach Put said, “This is a golden chance for our players to prove themselves on the continental stage. We are aiming for the semifinals and beyond.”CAF has significantly increased the prize purse, with the winner set to receive $3.5 million, a move that underscores the growing commercial value of CHAN.
Besides financial incentives, the tournament offers invaluable exposure for local players seeking professional careers abroad.Tickets for CHAN 2025 are available at stadium outlets and online through local ticketing platforms.
All matches will be broadcast live across Africa via SuperSport, StarTimes, and national broadcasters.Beyond the matches, CHAN 2025 symbolizes unity and progress.
It provides a platform for local talent, celebrates African culture, and strengthens regional bonds among the three host nations.
As East Africa welcomes the continent, football fans across Africa and the diaspora eagerly await four weeks of thrilling action, surprise upsets, and emerging stars.Let the games begin. Welcome to CHAN 2025 – homegrown football, East African pride.
