CHAN 2024: Reflecting on tournament that sparked East African football passion and pride
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 01.01.26. | 16:56
As we usher in 2026 CHAN 2024 will be remembered not just for goals or results, but for the unity, hope, and national pride it inspired
One of the standout moments for East African football, in 2025, was the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).
Played across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the tournament became more than just a competition.
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It was a celebration of talent, resilience and unity.
From sold-out stadiums to unforgettable performances on the pitch, CHAN reminded the region why football is more than a game. It is a shared passion that brings communities together.
For Kenya, the tournament arrived during a tense national period, when political temperatures were high and public sentiment felt strained.
For a few weeks, football offered a welcome distraction.
Harambee Stars became common ground, and Kenyans rallied behind one cause.
It was not perfect football, but it was honest, and that honesty resonated.
Poor preparations, strong performance
Kenya’s preparations were far from ideal. The team travelled to Tanzania for a four-nation tournament, hoping to face the hosts, Uganda, and Senegal.
Unfavourable conditions, however, forced them to withdraw at the instructions of coach Benni McCarthy.
The only friendlies played were against select local sides and domestic clubs.
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Despite these challenges, Harambee Stars rose to the occasion.
They topped Group A with a 1-0 win over DR Congo, a 1-1 draw against Angola, a 1-0 victory over Morocco, and a 1-0 win against Zambia.
The quarter-final against Madagascar ended 1-1 before Kenya exited in a cruel penalty shootout.
The defeat was painful, but the performance earned widespread respect for its composure and belief.
East Africa’s quarter-final exits
Uganda also bowed out at the quarter-final stage after falling to Senegal, while Tanzania suffered a similar fate against Morocco.
The tournament underlined the progress made by East African football while also highlighting the work still required to compete consistently at the highest level.
A nation united
The atmosphere at the stadiums was electric. All Kenyan matches at Kasarani were sold out, with many fans unable to secure tickets.
Nyayo Stadium also recorded strong attendance for games not involving Kenya, reflecting the tournament’s growing acceptance and popularity.
Tanzania and Uganda did not attract similar crowds, underscoring Kenya’s passion for and hunger for the tournament.
Even the symbolic moments mattered. President William Ruto’s pledge of Kshs 1 million per player for every win and Kshs 500,000 for every draw, alongside support from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who sadly passed away two months after the final, ensured each player walked away with Ksh 5.5 million.
It was the largest financial windfall in the history of Harambee Stars.
Beyond the players, the tournament also created opportunities for vendors and small businesses, delivering the desired economic ripple effect.
Opportunities beyond pitch
Morocco eventually won the tournament, while Madagascar’s run to the final captured imaginations across the continent.
For Kenya, CHAN 2024 opened doors for players. Ryan Ogam earned a move to Austria, while Alphonce Omija secured a transfer to Étoile du Sahel in Tunisia.
On the local scene, Gor Mahia emerged as major beneficiaries, snapping up: Michael Kibwage, Lewis Bandi, Bryne Omondi, Siraj Mohammed, and Felix Oluoch as they strengthened their squad for the next campaign.
Eyes on 2027
Despite its teething problems, CHAN 2024 served as an important rehearsal for AFCON 2027, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
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The tournament provided vital lessons that, if acted upon, can help deliver a more polished and successful continental showpiece in 2027.
Final reflection
As we usher in 2026, CHAN 2024 will be remembered not just for goals or results, but for the unity, hope, and national pride it inspired.
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For Kenya, it was a reminder of what football can achieve when a nation comes together, even in uncertain times.
