CHAN 2024: All roads lead to Kasarani as Kenya plays DR Congo
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy with his players during training session ahead of their clash with DRC. Courtesy photo
As the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) kicks off today, did you know that Kenya will open its campaign at the Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani Stadium)?
Opening Kenyan Game
Harambee Stars play DR Congo on Sunday (today) at 3pm local time at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
In the same city that afternoon, top contenders Morocco face Angola at Nyayo Stadium at 6pm.
Nairobi Venues for Group A Matches
While all of Kenya’s Group A fixtures will be staged at Kasarani, other Group A fixtures--such as DR Congo vs Zambia or Morocco vs Zambia--will alternate between Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani.
Nyayo has undergone major renovations, including upgraded floodlights, VAR cameras, and improved facilities to meet CAF standards.
Kenyans, Here’s Your Nairobi Match Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue | Kickoff |
| 3 Aug (Sun) | Kenya vs DR Congo | Kasarani | 15:00 |
| 3 Aug (Sun) | Morocco vs Angola | Nyayo | 18:00 |
| 7 Aug | Angola vs Kenya | Kasarani | TBD |
| 10 Aug | Kenya vs Morocco | Kasarani | TBD |
| 14 Aug | DR Congo vs Zambia | Nyayo | TBD |
| 17 Aug | Zambia vs Kenya | Kasarani | TBD |
| 17 Aug | DR Congo vs Morocco | Nyayo | TBD |
Why It Matters
Kasarani Stadium (60,000 seats) will host all Kenyan Group A matches, including the grand Final on August 30, 2025, at 6pm.
Nyayo Stadium, recently refurbished, will host six(6) high-profile fixtures, including Morocco vs Angola and the crossover match between DR Congo and Morocco on August 17, 2025.
Fun Fact
Harambee Stars will play all their matches at Kasarani--giving them a consistent home ground advantage amid a packed and intimidating Group A lineup, facing Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia.
Groups and Stars to Watch
This Pamoja edition marks CHAN's first-ever joint hosting across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Featuring only players based in domestic leagues, CHAN provides a platform for the continent’s local stars to shine.
This eighth edition promises drama, national pride, and untapped talent.
Group Stage Snapshot
Group A (co-hosted by Kenya): Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia
One of the toughest pools — featuring past champions and quality outfits. Kenya will need to punch above its weight to make the knockout stage ( ).
Group B (Tanzania hosts): Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic
Unpredictable and tightly matched; expect surprises especially with debutants CAR on debut ( ).
Group C (Uganda hosts): Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa
Made even more competitive by the late inclusion of qualifiers Algeria and South Africa--powerful squads with high ambition.
Group D (four‑team pool): Senegal (defending champions), Nigeria, Congo, Sudan
Compact but fierce—every match carries knockout-level pressure in this small group.
Players to Watch: Emerging Home-Based Talent
Kenya (Group A)
Aboud Omar (captain): A veteran defender with extensive international experience. His leadership will be key under pressure against DR Congo and Morocco.
Masoud Juma: Returns to domestic football with a reputation for scoring. His pace and finishing could provide Kenya’s edge.
Ryam Ogam: Formidable forward with local league goals in his locker for Tusker FC.
Senegal (Group D)
Lamine Camara: Young midfielder who shone in the previous CHAN edition, named best young player and vital in penalty shootouts.
Other Squads to Watch
Algeria and South Africa in Group C bring depth and flair to Uganda’s pool.
Morocco and DR Congo in Group A have won CHAN multiple times and boast physical, technically trained squads.
What Makes CHAN Unique
Only domestic-league players feature — no overseas stars allowed. This elevates local heroes and gives younger players a stage to showcase their talents.
The tournament runs from 2–30 August 2025, with Kenya hosting the final at Kasarani Stadium and the third-place playoff set for Kampala.
Tanzania opened the tournament at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday (yesterday) beating Burkina Faso 2-0. Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium will host a set of matches as well.
The African Nations Championships tournament was originally scheduled for February 2025, but was postponed by eight(8) months on the eve of the final draw due to inadequate infrastructure, including stadiums, training facilities, and hospitals in the host countries.
Join the Conversation
Who’s your pick for the breakout star of CHAN? Share via X @AVDeltaNews or email: avdeltanews@gmail.com
