By Dean Kibirige
This year, the much-anticipated CHAN (African Nations Championship) tournament makes its return to East Africa, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It marks the second time the region is staging this prestigious continental competition — and serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the Pamoja AFCON 2027, which will also be hosted by the three countries.
East Africa first hosted CHAN in 2016, when Rwanda staged a successful edition in Kigali. I had the privilege of covering the final, where the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) showcased their strength with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mali. That DRC squad was notably stacked with talent from TP Mazembe, one of Africa’s most successful clubs and a FIFA Club World Cup participant.
Uganda also made headlines during that edition, facing Mali in the group stage. A promising performance was cut short when star striker Yunus Sentamu sustained an injury, forcing Uganda to settle for a hard-fought draw. Meanwhile, host nation Rwanda impressed fans by advancing to the quarter-finals, underscoring the rising competitiveness of East African teams.
As CHAN 2024 kicks off, expectations are high:
- Can Uganda, Kenya, or Tanzania break past previous barriers?
- Will any of them surpass Rwanda’s historic quarter-final run in 2016?
- Could this be the moment East Africa establishes itself as a true footballing force on the continent?
All eyes are now on the region, not just to host — but to compete and inspire, as the road to AFCON 2027 begins with CHAN 2024.
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