Meet the Teams: Profiles of African Nations Competing at CHAN 2024

Three African countries, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will take place in East Africa from 3 to 20 August this year.

This tournament will feature up-and-coming grassroots talents, with 19 countries participating, including reigning champions Senegal and defending champions Morocco and DR Congo, who both hold two titles.

Let’s look at a detailed overview of the 19 national teams that will be competing, including their groups and previous tournament performances.

Host Teams

Of course, the host countries, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will be competing in the CHAN 2024 tournament.

Kenya (Group A)

Kenya was automatically seeded in Group A and is matched to face tough opponents, including Morocco, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Angola, and Zambia. This is the first time Kenya will be participating in the African Nations Championship and will be hoping to make the best out of it with their manager, Benni McCarthy.

We look forward to fervent support from the home audience as they play in their own country.

Tanzania (Group B)

Tanzania fell to Group B, preparing to face Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. This is the nation's third appearance in the tournament, with their last being in 2020. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get past the group stage.

Tanzania wants to surprise their supporters by expanding its football infrastructure.

Uganda (Group C)

Uganda is also seeded and tops Group C, with two playoff qualifiers, likely the best teams from zones like Algeria or South Africa, followed by Niger and Guinea. This is Uganda’s 7th appearance in the competition, with all previous endeavours ending in the group stage. They expect to improve and put in their best in front of their supporters.

Defending Champions & Former Winners

Senegal (Group D)

The 2022 champions, Senegal, are leading Group D, playing against Nigeria, Congo and Sudan. This is their fourth time in the competition. They will try to defend their title with a deep lineup after winning the tournament in Algeria.

Morocco (Group A)

Morocco, a two-time CHAN champion in 2018 and 2020, is back in Group A and ready to take on Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Zambia.

Their chances of success are increased by their robust domestic league.

DR Congo (Group A)

Along with the hosts and previous champions, DR Congo, who have also won twice (in 2009 and 2016), join Group A, guaranteeing fierce competition and exciting games.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Top Stadiums Hosting the 2024 CHAN Competition in East Africa

Other Participating Nations

These groups complete the East, West, Central, and Southern African regional representation:

Group A

Angola: Angola is the runner-up in 2011, making their 5th appearance in the competition. They will be aiming for resurgence.

Zambia: Zambia will be participating in the tournament for the 5th time. They finished in 3rd place in 2009, and with the support from fans, they could go all the way.

Group B

Madagascar: The national team are the emerging strength in the Indian Ocean football. Their second time in the competition reeks of success since their debut in 2022 ended in a remarkable 3rd place.

Mauritania: Previously reaching the quarter-finals in 2022, they’ll be looking to make their fourth appearance, one to watch.

Burkina Faso: Making their fourth appearance, Burkina Faso are hoping to proceed past the group stage.

Central African Republic: This is their first appearance in the tournament. Let’s watch out for what they can do.

Group C

Niger: Niger has ended in 4th place once in 2022 and they have another shot in their fifth time in the tournament.

Guinea: Ended in 3rd place in 2020. Their fourth appearance is one worth anticipating.

Algeria: The 2011 runner-up is a formidable force in the CHAN competition, embarking on their third adventure.

South Africa: Also, in their third time in the competition, South Africa once reached the quarter-finals of the competition. They are worth watching.

Group D

Congo: Having reached the quarter-finals twice (2018 and 2022), they expect to put in their best to soar in the tournament for their fifth attempt.

Sudan: 3rd place in 2011 and 2018, Sudan anticipates going all the way in their fourth attempt.

Nigeria: Nigeria’s “CHAN Eagles” finished as finalists in 2018 and were defeated by Morocco to win the trophy. They also finished in 3rd place in 2014. Fans are eager to see what they’ll do in their fourth attempt.

Tournament Format & Stakes

• 19 teams split into four groups: A, B, C (5 teams each), D (4 teams)
• The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals, culminating in the semis, third-place playoff, and the final on August 30
• The prize increase to $3.5 million for the winners, up 75%, demonstrates CAF’s growing investment in home-based development