Preparations for CHAN 2024 Intensify in Tanzania
As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) approaches, Tanzania is preparing to welcome teams from across the continent for what promises to be a vibrant and competitive tournament. The event has already begun to generate excitement, with Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic (CAR) arriving in the country on July 31, 2025, ahead of the much-anticipated competition.
Both teams are part of Group B, which also includes the host nation Tanzania (Taifa Stars), Madagascar, and Mauritania. This group is considered one of the most challenging in the championship, setting the stage for intense matches and fierce competition. The tournament will officially kick off with an opening match between Tanzania and Burkina Faso on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
As part of the official launch events, a special gala dinner is set to take place tomorrow at the Johari Rotana Hotel. The event will be attended by high-profile guests, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, who will serve as the guest of honour. This gathering is expected to bring together dignitaries from across Africa, marking a symbolic start to the CHAN 2024 tournament.
Government Chief Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, confirmed that the gala dinner will feature notable figures such as Dr Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), along with CAF executives and senior football officials from various African nations. Additionally, ministers of sports from Kenya and Uganda, ambassadors, and key stakeholders in sports development and tourism will be present.
Msigwa emphasized the importance of the event in showcasing Tanzania’s hospitality, culture, and tourism potential. “This tournament is more than just football—it’s an opportunity to highlight Tanzania’s strengths and attract international attention,” he said. He also highlighted that CHAN 2024 serves as a strategic platform for promoting Tanzania’s image globally, with specific focus on Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, where several matches and events are scheduled.
Ticket sales for the opening match have been encouraging, and Msigwa urged fans to continue purchasing tickets to ensure a full stadium. “We want a full house to rally behind Taifa Stars. Our fans are known for their passion—let’s turn up in large numbers and create an electrifying atmosphere,” he stated. He added that all preparations are complete, and Tanzania is ready to host the continent.
The excitement surrounding the tournament is further amplified by the entertainment segment of the opening ceremony, which will be headlined by Tanzanian music sensation Rayvanny. The Bongo Flava star is set to deliver a performance that reflects Tanzania’s rich musical heritage and celebratory spirit.
Meanwhile, in Zanzibar, preparations are also in full swing. Group D teams—Senegal, Nigeria, and Congo Brazzaville—have already arrived ahead of their matches at the Amaan Stadium. The final team in the group, Sudan, is expected to arrive shortly.
With the tournament fever spreading across the nation, Tanzania is poised to deliver a memorable edition of CHAN. High-level coordination, world-class infrastructure, and renowned hospitality are positioning East Africa as the center of the African football celebration. As the continent unites to spotlight its homegrown talent, the 2024 African Nations Championship is set to be a landmark event for football enthusiasts and cultural admirers alike.