In a historic first for a CAF competition, all three co-hosts of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) have advanced to the quarter-finals, a collective achievement that has electrified East Africa.

For Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, their simultaneous success is a powerful testament to the tournament’s “Pamoja” spirit, a Swahili word meaning “together,” that has defined this unique event.

This edition of CHAN, the first ever to be co-hosted by three nations, has delivered on all fronts, with each host nation delivering a memorable performance to book their place in the final eight.

Before this tournament, Uganda had never made it past the group stage, Tanzania had failed twice, and Kenya were making their debut. But buoyed by roaring home crowds, they have rewritten the script.

Kenya’s unbeaten run continued

Kenya, the tournament’s surprise package, topped Group A with an undefeated record. Their decisive moment came on Sunday at Kasarani Stadium, where a clutch 75th-minute strike from Ryan Ogam secured a 1-0 victory over Zambia.

This win took Benni McCarthy’s squad to 10 points, putting them ahead of former champions Morocco.

The Harambee Stars’ disciplined defending and sharp finishing have created a fantastic atmosphere in Nairobi, with fans flocking to the stadium.

Kenya will stay at home for their highly anticipated quarter-final clash against Madagascar on Friday night—a match expected to be one of the most intense of the round.

Taifa Stars shine bright in Group B

Tanzania matched Kenya’s impressive form, cruising through Group B with 10 points to finish as leaders. The Taifa Stars showcased their attacking flair and solid defense, winning three of their four matches.

Their only dropped points came in a final group match against the Central African Republic, a game that was already a formality.

Fans have consistently packed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, and the excitement will be at a fever pitch when Tanzania faces Morocco in their quarter-final on Friday evening in Dar es Salaam.

Uganda’s long-awaited breakthrough

For Uganda, the journey to the knockout stage is a major milestone. The Cranes had failed to escape the group stage in six previous CHAN appearances, but this time, their resilience paid off.

In a thrilling final group match against South Africa, Uganda fought back for a dramatic 3-3 draw in Kampala.

With the match slipping away, Rogers Torach converted a stoppage-time penalty, igniting joyous celebrations at the Mandela National Stadium.

The point secured their first-ever place in the knockout rounds. Uganda will return to Kampala on Saturday night to face the runners-up from Group D.

Quarter-Final fixtures

The excitement continues this weekend with all three co-hosts playing on home soil, ensuring more packed stadiums and electric atmospheres.

Friday, August 22, 2025

• 5:00 PM (EAT): Kenya v Madagascar (Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi)
• 8:00 PM (EAT): Tanzania v Morocco (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)

Saturday, August 23, 2025

• 5:00 PM (EAT): Winners Group D v Algeria (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
• 8:00 PM (EAT): Uganda v Runners-up Group D (Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)

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