The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday the postponement of the TotalEnergies 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) – initially scheduled for February in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – to August 2025.
The postponement is due to the need to finalize essential infrastructures to host this major event.
While significant progress has been made in the three host countries, challenges remain in the construction and modernization of stadiums, training fields, hotels and other facilities.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the host countries.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment, and significant progress made in the construction and modernization of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other infrastructures,” he stated.
Despite notable advances, CAF technical experts determined that additional time is required to ensure the quality and compliance of the infrastructures with the required standards.
“I am impressed by the ongoing construction and renovation works in the football
infrastructures and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda,” Motsepe added.
He reiterated his confidence that the preparations will be completed to host the CHAN in optimal conditions.
“I am confident that these stadiums, training fields, hotels, and hospitals will be ready by August 2025 for a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN),” he said.
Despite the competition’s postponement, CAF confirmed that the CHAN TotalEnergies 2024 draw will take place as scheduled in Nairobi on Wednesday at 8:00 PM.
Qualified teams for CHAN 2024 are Kenya (co-host), Tanzania (co-host), Uganda (co-host), Angola, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan and Zambia.
Motsepe said CAF will provide timely updates on the new dates and detailed competition schedule.
This postponement underscores the importance placed on infrastructure quality to ensure a memorable experience for both participants and spectators.
ARD/te/lb/jn/APA