Excitement is mounting across the African football scene as Algeria and South Africa clinch the final berths for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), finalizing a 19-nation showdown set to unfold across East Africa. The tournament, scheduled from 2 to 30 August 2025, marks a triumphant return to the region for the first time since the 2016 edition in Rwanda, this time with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania sharing hosting duties in a rare cross-border collaboration.
Algeria booked their ticket in emphatic fashion, brushing aside The Gambia with a 3-0 aggregate scoreline, while South Africa staged a spirited comeback to edge Malawi 2-1 over two legs. Their victories cap a fiercely competitive qualification phase and slot the two nations into Group C, where they’ll join co-host Uganda, Niger, and Guinea in what promises to be a fiercely contested group stage.
The groupings themselves paint a rich tapestry of African football rivalries and narratives. Group A features hosts Kenya alongside powerhouses Morocco and Zambia, as well as Angola and DR Congo. Group B throws together Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, while Group D is headlined by defending champions Senegal, with Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, and Nigeria adding competitive depth.
This edition of CHAN is distinct not only for its tri-nation hosting arrangement but also for its focus on home-grown talent, spotlighting players who ply their trade in domestic leagues. With global scouts expected to monitor performances closely, CHAN 2025 offers a golden stage for rising stars to impress and elevate their careers while fans revel in the continent’s raw footballing flair.
CAF has yet to unveil the fixtures, ticketing details, and stadium allocations, but the anticipation is palpable. With East Africa set to buzz with continental energy, all eyes will be on whether the host trio can capitalize on home advantage, and whether Senegal can retain their crown against a stacked field of hungry challengers.
Photo: Caf Media
