The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has officially begun, marking a historic moment for East African football. For the first time, the tournament is being jointly hosted by three countries — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — a powerful symbol of regional cooperation and ambition. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN 2025 runs from August 2 to August 30 and features 19 national teams composed exclusively of players who compete in their domestic leagues. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, CHAN does not allow players who play for clubs abroad, making it a unique showcase of homegrown talent.
The opening match took place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, where hosts Tanzania delivered a confident 2–0 win over Burkina Faso, energizing local fans and setting a competitive tone for the tournament. Kenya followed with a surprise 1–0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo at Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, while Uganda faced a tough start, losing 3–0 to Algeria at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. These early results have already begun to shape the dynamics of the group stage.
The teams are divided into four groups. Group A includes Morocco, Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and DR Congo. Group B features Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic. Group C, which includes co-hosts Uganda, is particularly competitive, with Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa also in the mix. Uganda, despite having competed in six of the last seven CHAN tournaments, has never advanced past the group stage — a streak they are determined to break this year. Their upcoming matches against Guinea and Niger will be crucial. Group D includes defending champions Senegal, who opened their campaign with a narrow 1–0 win over Nigeria in Zanzibar, thanks to a goal from Christian Gomis after a defensive lapse. The match, held at Amaan Stadium, was one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening week.
Fan engagement has been strong across all three host nations. Tickets are available online through dedicated platforms: chan.mookh.com for Kenya, chan.tkt.ug for Uganda, and chantz.kimtandao.co.tz for Tanzania. Prices vary to accommodate different budgets, with options ranging from general admission to VIP and VVIP packages. The tournament is also being broadcast live across Africa through networks such as beIN SPORTS, Canal+, New World TV, and IMG, ensuring fans across the continent can follow the action.
Beyond the competition itself, CHAN 2025 serves as a critical test run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The success of this tournament will demonstrate the region’s readiness to host Africa’s most prestigious football event. With passionate crowds, rising stars, and a spirit of unity, CHAN 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark celebration of African football.