The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has entered its decisive stage, with the group phase producing drama, heartbreak, and history in equal measure. Now, the quarter-finals are locked in, and the spotlight firmly shines on East Africa, where the tournament’s three co-hosts — Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — have all stormed into the last eight.
This unprecedented success has breathed life into the tournament’s slogan “Pamoja” — Swahili for “together” — with Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala preparing for another round of sellout crowds and thunderous atmospheres.
Kenya’s fairytale run continues
Debutants Kenya have been the talk of CHAN 2024. Written off before a ball was kicked, the Harambee Stars stunned the continent by topping Group A with 10 points.
Their defining moment came when Ryan Ogam’s late strike sank Zambia in Nairobi, sealing a 1-0 win and a place at the summit. Benni McCarthy’s side conceded just one goal in the group stage, a statistic that has transformed them from outsiders into genuine contenders.
Next up, they face Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Friday evening, with the home crowd already dreaming of a semi-final berth.
Taifa Stars flex their muscles
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars matched Kenya’s tally of 10 points, dominating Group B with three victories and a draw. Their attacking rhythm, energy and consistency have made them one of the most exciting teams to watch.
They now host Morocco, the two-time CHAN champions, in Dar es Salaam on Friday night a clash billed as a heavyweight showdown that could define the Taifa Stars’ credentials.
Uganda finally break their ceiling
For Uganda, CHAN 2024 has already been historic. After six failed attempts, the Cranes finally advanced past the group stage, topping Group C with seven points.
Their 3-3 thriller against South Africa in Kampala provided one of the moments of the tournament Rogers Torach’s last-gasp penalty sparking wild scenes at the Mandela National Stadium.
They will carry that momentum into a mouth-watering quarter-final against defending champions Senegal on Saturday night, in front of what promises to be one of CHAN’s biggest crowds yet.
Sudan stand tall in Zanzibar
Group D was settled in Zanzibar, where Sudan and Senegal battled to a cagey 0-0 draw that saw both advance. Sudan, rejuvenated under coach Kwesi Appiah, claimed top spot on goal difference, while Senegal settled for second.
The Falcons of Jediane will stay in Zanzibar to face Algeria on Saturday afternoon, hoping to extend their unbeaten run.
Quarter-Final line-up
Friday, 22 August 2025
- Kenya v Madagascar – 17:00, Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi
- Tanzania v Morocco – 20:00, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam
Saturday, 23 August 2025
- Sudan v Algeria – 17:00, Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City
- Uganda v Senegal – 20:00, Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
With the hosts soaring, crowds swelling, and giants waiting in the wings, the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals promise high drama. Whether it’s Kenya’s fairytale, Tanzania’s momentum, Uganda’s breakthrough, or Senegal’s title defense the road to glory is wide open, and East Africa is at the heart of it all.
