Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania welcome CHAN postponement

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have welcomed the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to postpone the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August, allowing more time for tournament preparations.

Originally set for February 1–28, CAF announced the six-month delay on its website on Tuesday night.

“I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other infrastructure will meet CAF standards for hosting a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship in August 2025," CAF President Patrick Motsepe stated on Tuesday.

During the CHAN draw at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, Kenya's newly appointed Sports CS, Salim Mvurya, assured that renovations in Kenya would continue as planned despite the postponement.

“The six months will entail a lot of work to prepare the teams and firm up our efforts to host the tournament. The three governments and heads of state are committed to its success," said Mvurya, who assumed office in December 2024.

“For Kenya, the preparations will go on as scheduled. The next six months are crucial for ensuring a successful tournament. Inspections will continue on Monday to stay on track. This is a major football celebration for East Africa."

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Moses Magogo highlighted the additional time as an opportunity to market the event.

"We welcome the six months because we've made infrastructure improvements but needed time to market. This should be a celebration of East Africa, and we can now market it much better than if we had hosted it in February," he said.

Magogo expressed excitement about the progress: "Together with my colleagues in Kenya and Tanzania, we dreamed about this and persuaded our governments, CAF executives, the media, and the public. Now, the first step is the draw, and it's truly happening here."

The tournament is also seen as a stepping stone for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania's joint hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed emphasised this point:

"We were ready and will be even more prepared. This tournament will be the launch pad for AFCON 2027, and we are excited that other African nations are paying attention to East Africa."

Tanzania's Sports Minister, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, expressed confidence in his country's readiness: “Tanzania is ready for the tournament. I assure Africa and the world that we are capable of hosting high-caliber events."

The draw for the 19  teams was conducted by former international and current FKF Vice-President, Mac Donald Mariga, Tanzanian international Mrisho Alfani Ngasa and Ugandan international Hassan Wasswa.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars landed in Group 'A' alongside two-time champions Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia. Tanzania is in Group 'B' with Madagascar, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.

Group 'C' features Uganda, Niger, and Guinea, with two more teams to be decided in March qualifiers, including South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, and Libya. Group 'D' comprises holders Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria.

“We are in the group of death,” Mariga admitted, noting the strength of their opponents.

“The postponement gives us time to prepare under head coach Francis Kimanzi. We’ll keep everyone updated.”

DR Congo and Morocco have won the biennial tournament for homegrown players twice each, followed by Tunisia, Libya, and Senegal, each with one title.

Harambee Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna viewed the delay positively: "The postponement is beneficial as it gives us more time to prepare. Local players now have the chance to showcase their talents in the league to earn their spots on the national team.”