Mark your calendars! The CHAN 2024 will kick off on February 1, 2025, and run through February 28, 2025. In a display of East African unity, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will jointly host the event, providing a perfect backdrop for this celebration of African football.
The final round of qualifiers for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) has concluded, delivering a mix of thrilling matches, surprising upsets, and historic achievements. As the dust settles, several teams have secured their spots in the prestigious tournament, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to 28, 2025.
Key Qualifications and Statistics
- A total of 17 teams have qualified for the final tournament.
- Sudan became the first team to book their place, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia.
- Niger advanced on away goals after a goalless draw against Togo, marking their fifth appearance in the CHAN finals.
- Nigeria qualified for their fourth CHAN tournament with a convincing 3-1 victory over Ghana, progressing 3-1 on aggregate.
Historic Achievements and Upsets
The Central African Republic achieved a remarkable feat by qualifying for their first-ever CHAN tournament. They overcame Cameroon with a 2-1 victory in Bafoussam, eliminating the Indomitable Lions on away goals. This marks Cameroon's first absence from the tournament in seven editions, ending their impressive streak.
Other Notable Qualifiers
- DR Congo, a two-time CHAN champion, secured their spot with a 3-1 victory over Chad in Kinshasa, winning 4-2 on aggregate.
- Burkina Faso staged a remarkable comeback against Côte d'Ivoire, overturning a two-goal deficit from the first leg.
- Senegal, the defending champions, will look to defend their title after qualifying.
Tournament Format and Draw
The 2024 CHAN will feature 18 teams from across the continent. The draw for the tournament groups is scheduled to take place on December 31, 2024, at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Teams will be seeded based on their performances in the last three editions of CHAN, with a weighted point system determining their placement in different pots.
Looking Ahead
As the qualified teams prepare for the tournament, the stage is set for an exciting showcase of African football talent. The CHAN tournament, exclusive to players competing in their domestic leagues, continues to be a vital platform for showcasing local talent on the continental stage.
With a mix of established powerhouses and exciting newcomers, the 2024 edition promises to deliver thrilling matches and potentially unearth new stars of African football. As we count down to the kick-off in February 2025, football fans across the continent eagerly anticipate what promises to be a spectacular celebration of African football.
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