The eighth edition of CHAN was co-hosted in East Africa by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. While Tanzania hosted the opening ceremony, Uganda staged the third-place playoff with Kenya staging the final at Kasarani Stadium.
In the pulsating final, Morocco secured a record third CHAN title after overcoming first-time finalists Madagascar 3-2. The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, were tested to the limit by a spirited Malagasy side, but ultimately their pedigree and experience told.
The victory earned Morocco the gold medal and USD 3.5-million prize money, while Madagascar’s gallant run ended in silver and a USD 1.2-million prize.
Meanwhile, former defending champions Senegal clinched third place after overcoming Sudan 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal and extra-time at Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The Lions of Teranga, who were denied a place in the final after losing to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals, showed resilience once more in a tense bronze medal match. Victory meant Senegal secured a podium finish in back-to-back tournaments, while Sudan’s wait for a third CHAN medal went on despite a spirited display.
Host nations Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania reached the knockout stages after topping their respective groups. Harambee Stars topped Group A with 10 points, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars led Group B with 10 points while Uganda finished top of Group C with seven points.
However, none of the nations progressed past the quarter-finals as Kenya lost 4-3 on penalties to Madagascar, while Tanzania suffered a 1-0 defeat against eventual winners Morocco, and Uganda’s journey ended at the hands of Senegal following a 1-0 defeat.
Kenya takes lessons from co-hosting CHAN
Speaking after the final, Kenya’s Head of State, while congratulating Morocco for the historic success, promised to take lessons from co-hosting the tournament and use the same to have a better and improved AFCON in 2027.
“Congratulations Morocco on winning the CHAN 2024. This is a well-earned victory.
"We appreciate all the teams, officials, and organisers who worked tirelessly to make this tournament a success,” said Ruto. “We take to heart the lessons of co-hosting this tournament, and we will use them to sharpen our preparation for AFCON 2027.
“We are proud of the success of the CHAN 2024 tournament, which we co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania. Building on these milestones, we are preparing to host AFCON 2027, determined to deliver an even greater spectacle.
“As part of these preparations, we are constructing Talanta Stadium alongside other modern sports facilities across the country. These investments will strengthen grassroots sports, nurture talent, and firmly place our sports on the global stage.”
The Head of State added: “Beyond the competition, CHAN 2024 has affirmed the spirit of Pan-Africanism. It has showcased the unity, resilience, and immense talent of our continent. From North to South, East to West, Africa’s sons and daughters displayed not only footballing brilliance but also the bonds that tie us together as one people. This celebration of African excellence reminds us that our future is brightest when we stand together.”
The 36th edition of the biennial African football AFCON tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will be hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania in June and July 2027.
This edition of the tournament will be the first ever to be hosted by three different countries, and also the first in five decades to be organised in the CECAFA region, since it was hosted by Ethiopia in 1976. This event will also be part of the Africa Cup of Nations’ 70th Anniversary.
