The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) marks a historic milestone as the first continental tournament co-hosted by three nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Originally scheduled for February 2025, the tournament was postponed by eight months due to infrastructure concerns in the host countries.
What makes CHAN unique is that it exclusively features players who compete in their domestic African leagues, showcasing homegrown talent from across the continent rather than international stars playing in European or other foreign leagues.
2025 CHAN Tournament Overview
📍 Host Countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
📅 Dates: August 2-30, 2025
🏆 Edition: 8th
👥 Teams: 19 (record number)
🏟️ Venues: 5 stadiums across 4 cities
2025 CHAN Host Venues
The tournament is being staged across five major stadiums:
- Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania) – 60,000 capacity
- Hosting the opening ceremony and match
- Group B matches
- Moi International Sports Centre (Nairobi, Kenya) – 60,000 capacity
- Hosting the final on August 30
- Group A matches
- Nyayo National Stadium (Nairobi, Kenya) – 45,000 capacity
- Group A matches
- Nelson Mandela National Stadium (Kampala, Uganda) – 45,000 capacity
- Hosting the third-place playoff on August 29
- Group C matches
- Amaan Stadium (Zanzibar, Tanzania) – 15,000 capacity
- Group D matches
Tournament Format
The 19 participating teams are divided into four groups:
- Three groups of five teams (Groups A, B, and C)
- One group of four teams (Group D)
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and the final.
Groups
Group A (Kenya)
- Kenya (Host)
- Morocco (Two-time champions)
- Angola
- DR Congo (Two-time champions)
- Zambia
Group B (Tanzania)
- Tanzania (Host)
- Madagascar
- Mauritania
- Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic
Group C (Uganda)
- Uganda (Host)
- Niger
- Guinea
- Algeria
- South Africa
Group D (Tanzania)
- Senegal (Defending champions)
- Congo
- Sudan
- Nigeria
Key Matches and Results
Opening Match
August 2, 2025: Tanzania 2-0 Burkina Faso
- Goals: Abdul Spu (45+3’ pen), Zimbwe Jr. (71’)
Upcoming Notable Fixtures
- August 3: Kenya vs DR Congo (15:00 local time)
- August 3: Morocco vs Angola (18:00 local time)
- August 5: Senegal vs Nigeria (20:00 local time)
Final Stages
- Quarter-finals: August 22-23
- Semi-finals: August 26-27
- Third-place playoff: August 29 (Nelson Mandela Stadium, Uganda)
- Final: August 30 (Moi International Sports Centre, Kenya)
Tournament History
The CHAN tournament was first held in 2009 and has had several notable champions:
- Democratic Republic of Congo: 2 titles (2009, 2016)
- Morocco: 2 titles (2018, 2020)
- Tunisia: 1 title (2011)
- Libya: 1 title (2014)
- Senegal: 1 title (2022, defending champions)
Significance of the Tournament
This edition of CHAN represents a milestone in African football, with the three-nation hosting model spreading both the economic benefits and logistical challenges across East Africa. The tournament showcases the region’s improving football infrastructure and provides a platform for domestic league players to gain international exposure.
The record number of participating teams (19) also demonstrates the growing interest and competitive nature of African domestic football, with more nations investing in their local leagues and player development.
Broadcast Information
The tournament is being broadcast live on:
- SuperSports
- beIN Sports
Football fans across Africa and worldwide can follow their favorite teams and discover new talent emerging from the continent’s domestic leagues.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses toward the final on August 30, all eyes will be on defending champions Senegal and two-time winners Morocco and DR Congo. However, with host nations Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda enjoying home advantage and the support of passionate local fans, this CHAN tournament promises excitement, surprises, and the emergence of new football stars from across Africa.
