All You Need to Know About Africa CHAN 2025

Africa CHAN 2025 is more than just a football tournament—it’s a celebration of local talent, national pride, and continental unity. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the African Nations Championship (CHAN) is reserved exclusively for players active in their domestic leagues. This year’s edition is historic, as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania unite as co-hosts, bringing the tournament to East Africa for the first time. From sold-out openers to headline-making squad announcements, CHAN 2025 is already capturing global attention. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer, this guide unpacks everything you need to know about Africa’s biggest football event for home-based stars.

The CHAN Tournament: What Makes It Unique

Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN is designed to showcase players who play in their country’s domestic leagues. This exclusive format means no overseas-based superstars—only homegrown talent get the spotlight. That makes the CHAN a stage for raw passion, emerging stars, and real grassroots football.

 • Only locally-based players are eligible to compete
 • Organized every two years by CAF
 • First edition was held in 2009 in Ivory Coast
 • Helps scout new talent for national teams
 • Often used to gauge league strength across African countries

The CHAN tournament serves as a vital link between domestic football and international exposure. It also gives local fans a rare chance to see their league heroes compete on a continental stage.

East Africa Hosts CHAN 2025: A Historic First

For the first time in history, the CHAN will be hosted by three East African nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This joint hosting arrangement marks a milestone for regional collaboration and infrastructure development in East Africa. Each country has invested heavily in renovating stadiums, enhancing security, and improving transport systems to welcome fans and teams.

 • Kenya will host matches in Nairobi and Kisumu
 • Uganda has prepared stadiums in Kampala and Gulu
 • Tanzania’s fixtures will take place in Dar es Salaam and Arusha
 • The three nations signed a joint hosting agreement with CAF in 2023
 • Hosting is expected to boost local economies and tourism

This triple-host model mirrors other major tournaments globally and shows Africa’s capability to manage large-scale sporting events while spreading development benefits across borders.

Kenya’s Opener Against DR Congo Sells Out

The buzz around CHAN 2025 became undeniable when tickets sold out for Kenya’s opening match against DR Congo. The match, set to take place at Nairobi’s revamped Nyayo National Stadium, will feature one of Africa’s most passionate footballing nations taking on a tournament favorite.

 • Over 35,000 tickets sold within hours
 • Nairobi hotels near the venue are fully booked
 • The game will be broadcast live in over 20 countries
 • Local media have dubbed the opener “East Africa’s football night of nights”
 • Kenya’s Harambee Stars B are coached by a new local management team

This match not only sets the tone for the tournament but also reflects the hunger East African fans have to witness top-tier football live on home soil.

Morocco Names Star-Studded Final Squad

As one of the powerhouses in African football, Morocco's CHAN 2025 squad announcement has stirred excitement and expectation. Known for their strong youth systems and domestic league structure, the North African giants have assembled a squad that blends experience with youth.

 • Squad includes standout players from Raja Casablanca and Wydad AC
 • Defending champions from previous editions
 • Focused training camp held in Rabat before flying to Uganda
 • Key players expected to be scouted by European clubs
 • Technical team aims to repeat Morocco’s CHAN 2018 and 2020 dominance

Morocco’s readiness highlights their ambition not just to compete but to dominate. Their squad will be one to watch as the tournament progresses.

South Africa’s Bold Move: 14 Club-less Players in Squad

In a surprising move, South Africa’s CHAN squad includes 14 players currently without club contracts. This decision sparked debate among analysts and fans, with some praising it as a humanitarian gesture and others questioning its competitive viability.

 • Selected players were recently released from clubs due to financial cuts
 • Coaching team believes in giving second chances to talented individuals
 • Team to play group matches in Tanzania
 • Squad includes seasoned players from previous CHAN editions
 • Could be a scouting opportunity for clubs in need of fresh talent

This decision puts a spotlight on player welfare and South Africa’s ongoing transformation efforts in domestic football, aiming to restore dignity and provide platforms for overlooked athletes.

Where and How to Get CHAN 2025 Tickets

With excitement peaking across the continent, tickets for CHAN 2025 are in high demand. CAF and local organizing committees have launched digital and physical ticketing options to ensure accessibility and transparency.

 • Official tickets sold via CAF’s ticketing portal and selected retail partners
 • Prices range from $3 to $30 depending on venue and match type
 • Special group discounts available for schools and community groups
 • Tickets for knockout rounds and finals will be released in phases
 • Fans are advised to purchase only from authorized channels

In Kenya, fans queued for hours outside ticket centers in Nairobi and Kisumu. The same enthusiasm is being mirrored in Dar es Salaam and Kampala, proving that CHAN 2025 is a true fan magnet.

Key Teams to Watch in CHAN 2025

Beyond just Morocco and Kenya, several nations have emerged as strong contenders to lift the CHAN trophy. Teams with robust domestic leagues and tactical depth are expected to shine.

 • Algeria – finalists in previous editions with a technically disciplined squad
 • Senegal – recent AFCON champions with a well-organized home league
 • Zambia – always dangerous with passionate home fans
 • Nigeria – fielding a younger, faster squad of local talents
 • Uganda – as co-hosts, motivated to make it past the group stage

Each of these teams brings a unique style of play, making the group stages and knockouts highly competitive and unpredictable.

Impact on Local Economies and Tourism

Beyond the football pitch, CHAN 2025 is expected to inject millions into East African economies. From hospitality and transport to merchandising and media, the ripple effect is immense.

 • Thousands of fans expected to travel across borders for matches
 • Hotels, bars, and vendors forecast a revenue surge
 • Media houses are expanding coverage teams for real-time reporting
 • CAF sponsors include major telecom and beverage companies
 • Job opportunities created across all host cities

This tournament is more than sport; it’s a platform for economic growth, branding, and regional pride. Local businesses are already seeing an uptick in demand ahead of kickoff.

Broadcasting and Streaming Access

CAF has partnered with several global and local broadcasters to ensure CHAN 2025 reaches a wide audience. Whether you’re in Africa or overseas, there are numerous options to watch the matches live or on demand.

 • SuperSport, Canal+, and beIN Sports to broadcast all matches
 • Free-to-air access in host nations via national TV stations
 • CAF YouTube and Facebook channels will stream select games
 • Radio commentary available in English, French, and Swahili
 • Highlights and replays to be posted online within minutes

The broad coverage helps amplify the tournament’s reach and celebrate African football talent to audiences worldwide.

Future of CHAN Beyond 2025

As CHAN grows in stature, questions are already emerging about what comes next after the 2025 edition. CAF has expressed commitment to improving the tournament’s structure and increasing its visibility globally.

 • Discussions underway about possible expansion to 24 teams
 • Calls for introducing women’s version of CHAN
 • CAF considering rotating hosts between regions for inclusivity
 • Increased focus on marketing and merchandise licensing
 • Possibility of integrating CHAN into FIFA’s global football calendar

The 2025 edition could mark a turning point, pushing CHAN into a higher echelon of international recognition and sporting prestige.

Conclusion

Africa CHAN 2025 is not just another football competition—it’s a movement celebrating the heart of African football. From packed stadiums and passionate fans to local heroes and continental rivalries, this tournament captures the raw beauty and unity of African sport. With Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania co-hosting, and powerhouses like Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria preparing to dominate, the stage is set for a football spectacle. Whether you’ll be in the stands, watching from home, or cheering from across the globe, one thing is certain—CHAN 2025 will be unforgettable.