The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially postponed the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) from February 2025 to August 2025. The decision directly impacts the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Reason for the Delay
CAF’s technical team emphasized the need for additional time to ensure that all necessary infrastructure meets the high standards required for a successful continental tournament. While significant progress has been made in upgrading stadiums, training facilities, and transport networks, the delay aims to guarantee a world-class event.
Infrastructure Challenges and Ongoing Projects
The three host nations have embarked on ambitious projects to ensure readiness for the championship:
- Renovation of existing stadiums.
- Construction of new sporting venues.
- Upgrades to transport systems and hospitality services for fans, players, and officials.
- Modernization of hospitals and other essential services.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe praised the efforts of Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, highlighting their commitment to improving sports infrastructure in their respective countries.
“I am confident that the ongoing upgrades will provide world-class facilities by August 2025,” said Dr. Motsepe.
Impact on Fans and the Tournament
The CHAN tournament exclusively features players from domestic leagues, making it a key event on the African football calendar. While the delay disappointed some fans, others welcomed the move, emphasizing the importance of high-quality facilities and organization.
“It’s better to wait and have a great tournament than rush and fail,” noted a Kenyan football supporter.
Upcoming Milestones
Despite the postponement, CAF confirmed that the tournament draw will proceed as planned:
- Date: January 15, 2025
- Venue: Nairobi, Kenya
- Time: 8:00 p.m. local time
The draw will reveal the tournament’s structure, keeping fans engaged and building anticipation.
Looking Ahead
Although the exact dates for the rescheduled CHAN 2025 have yet to be announced, CAF remains optimistic about delivering a memorable event. With the additional time, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda aim to exceed expectations, showcasing African football on a grand stage.
