The 2025 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off this August in a historic first for East Africa. Co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, this year’s tournament will run from August 2 to 30 and features 19 national teams composed exclusively of home-based players.

Founded in 2009 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN was designed to spotlight local talent often overshadowed by Europe-based stars in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It has grown steadily in stature, producing breakout players and elevating the profile of national leagues across the continent.

This year’s event, officially the 8th edition, is unprecedented in scale and ambition. It marks the first time CHAN will be hosted by three countries, and the first time East Africa plays host. Originally scheduled for January, the tournament was pushed to August following delays in stadium renovations and logistical readiness.

Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium are both settings for Group A matches – which include Kenya’s own Harambee Stars. Both facilities underwent major upgrades including pitch resurfacing, improved floodlighting, security enhancements, and VAR installations.

Hosting CHAN is a big step for us,” said FKF President Nick Mwendwa. “It’s not just about football; it’s about infrastructure, economic impact, and regional pride.”

Group A will be based in Nairobi and includes Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia—a tough lineup for the home team, which will play all its group matches at Kasarani.

The opening match for Kenya, against DR Congo, was Sunday, 3 August and saw Kenya seal a historic win over two-time champions DR Congo. Seven minutes of stoppage time tested Kenyan nerves, but the hosts held on to register a memorable first-ever CHAN victory, becoming only the third debutant nation to win their opening match in the tournament’s history.

Elsewhere, Tanzania and Uganda will share hosting duties for the other groups. Notably, Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium will also host matches—a symbolic gesture of inclusivity in East African football.

The tournament format places teams in four groups (three with five teams, one with four). The top two from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. Reigning champions Senegal are among the favorites, but eyes will also be on two-time winners Morocco and DR Congo, as well as host nations keen to make their mark.

The final is scheduled for August 30 at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, while the third-place playoff will be held a day earlier at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

CAF has praised the collaborative spirit of the East African hosts, calling the tournament “a model for future regional co-hosting efforts.” Many see CHAN as a test run for the even larger AFCON 2027, which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are also scheduled to co-host.

With local players front and center, and East Africa stepping into the continental spotlight, CHAN 2025 promises to be a celebration of homegrown talent, regional unity, and the growing power of African football.

Group A (Kenya Hosted, Nairobi Venues)

From 3 to 17 August, Group A matches include:

🏆 Knockout Phase

  • Quarter‑final in Nairobi: 22 August — Group A winner vs Group B runner‑up at Kasarani, 17:00 LT

  • Third‑place playoff, Kampala: 29 August at Mandela Stadium, 18:00 LT (15:00 GMT)

  • Championship Final, Nairobi: 30 August, Kasarani Stadium, 18:00 LT (15:00 GMT)

For match schedules, ticketing details, and team profiles, visit cafonline.com or footballkenya.org.

Fans will be able to follow the tournament through familiar local channels: SuperSport, KBC and Azam TV in Kenya.