African Nations Championship kicks off after stadium delays - Africa
It is a historic moment for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, whose "Pamoja" -- meaning "together" in Swahili -- bid two years ago gave birth to the first Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournament in the region since 1976, and the first to be jointly hosted by three countries.
The CHAN tournament, which runs to August 30, acts as a precursor to the continent's main event, the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, also co-hosted by the three countries.
CHAN features only players from domestic clubs, and cannot include anyone playing for teams abroad.
Getting the five stadiums ready has been a struggle, with CAF delaying the tournament from its planned dates in February to give them more time to prepare.
On a final inspection tour in Nairobi last week CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba celebrated the three nations' progress and co-operation.
"I think we in Africa need to learn from this model. Three countries have pooled their efforts and resources to successfully deliver," he told reporters.
'Great challenge'
Tanzania will get the 19-team competition underway when they play Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium in the economic capital Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
Favourites Morocco pulled out of the last competition in Algeria in February 2023, but have returned with one of the tournament's strongest teams, featuring six players from the winning CAF Confederation Cup -- including Olympian goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi.
The two-time champions have been drawn in Group A, alongside hosts Kenya, as well as Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kenya are making their debut under South African head coach Benni McCarthy, part of Erik ten Hag's Manchester United coaching staff.
"Honestly, it is a great challenge," the 47-year-old said.
"When you play football and then convert to become a coach, to get what you want to be the best, the difficult teams will always be in your path. You have to beat them anyway."
Co-hosts Uganda have competed in six of the previous seven CHAN tournaments without ever qualifying for the knockout phase, but they hope to break the jinx, beginning with the home group matches against Algeria, Guinea, Niger and South Africa.
They have tapped former national team captain Denis Onyango to join the technical bench and help improve their goalkeeping.
Meanwhile, defending champions Senegal begin against fellow west African rivals Nigeria at Zanzibar's Amaan stadium on August 5.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Follow us on:
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
2 hours ago
- CAF
'We're here to win every game' – Salum sets bold target for Tanzania
Faisal Salum says Tanzania's perfect start to the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has lifted the nation's spirit and set the tone for a campaign of high ambition. The midfielder, popularly known as 'Fay Toto,' delivered a standout performance in Tanzania's 2-0 win over Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. His commanding display earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award, crowning a night he described as 'the perfect start.' 'This victory is the perfect start and makes all Tanzanians feel proud and happy,' said Salum. 'Our goal is to win every match, especially since the tournament is being held on our home ground. It is important that we prove ourselves and remain consistent in every game.' Master of midfield Salum's impact was felt across the pitch. The 27-year-old Azam FC player was the heartbeat of the Taifa Stars, linking defence to attack, dictating tempo, and calmly navigating pressure in tight spaces. His sharp passing and tactical awareness gave Tanzania a dominant grip on midfield, and he was instrumental in both goals. He initiated the sequence that led to the first-half penalty, converted by Abdul Sobo, and played a key role in the buildup to Mohammed Hussein's header that sealed the result. The performance cemented his reputation as the team's creative spark and tactical leader — a role he embraced with maturity and poise. Salum's rise signals intent For Tanzania, this win was about more than points. It was a statement of readiness, belief, and purpose. Salum's display serves as a benchmark not only for himself but also for the Taifa Stars' aspirations. With the nation co-hosting CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Uganda, expectations are sky-high, and performances like Salum's fan the flames of national ambition. 'This match is just the beginning,' he said. 'We've shown what we are capable of, but there's still work to do. Every game will be a new challenge, and we must keep improving.' Man of the Match – and beyond Salum's Man of the Match award capped a performance that could set the stage for a breakthrough tournament. His vision, discipline, and control made him the clear standout on opening night. If he continues at this level, the midfielder could become one of the tournament's defining stars — not only for his talent but also for his ability to elevate those around him. 'It's always an honour to be recognised,' he said of the award. 'But it only matters because we won as a team. That's the most important thing.' Fans dare to dream The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium roared with approval as the final whistle confirmed Tanzania's first three points in Group B. For fans, it was a night to remember — not just for the win, but for the style and conviction with which it was earned. This is the first time the CHAN tournament is being hosted jointly by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. For the Tanzanian faithful, it adds extra significance — and Salum knows what it means to carry that expectation. 'We felt the fans behind us tonight,' he said. 'They give us energy, and we want to make them proud every time we play.' Bright beginnings, bigger ambitions Tanzania's victory sends them to the top of Group B and sets a positive tone for the rest of their campaign. The performance showed a balanced team with growing attacking fluidity and strong midfield control — qualities they will need in tougher matches ahead. As for Salum, the opening night showed that he is not just a cog in the system — he is a leader on the pitch. With his confidence growing and the crowd behind him, the Taifa Stars midfielder is setting the pace — and the dream — for what could be a historic CHAN tournament for Tanzania.
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Swimming: Tunisia's Jaouadi pushes through pain for second world gold - Omni sports
Tunisia's Ahmed Jaouadi added the 1,500m freestyle world title to his 800m crown on Sunday for a Singapore double, with two-time Olympic champion Bobby Finke only third. Jaouadi won a thriller to grab gold in 14min 34.41sec, ahead of Germany's Sven Schwarz (14:35.69) and the American world record holder Finke (14:36.60). With three laps to go in the gruelling long-distance race, it was a three-way tussle between Jaouadi, Schwarz and Finke. Jaouadi timed it to perfection, leading at the bell from the German and holding him off in the final lap. "A lot of pain, a lot of struggle. I knew that everyone is struggling and everyone is feeling the pain," said the Tunisian. "I wasn't the only one. I just tried to be the strongest one mentally. It was a good one because all of the boys swum a good race and everyone tried to win it. "Through my body it was a lot of pain, it hurts. But through my mind was I want this medal, I want to win it. It's as simple as that." Jaouadi's 800m free title earlier in the week was his first major crown. Finke is the two-time reigning Olympic champion in the 1,500m and world record holder following his 14:30.67 in Paris a year ago. Jaouadi was sixth in the French capital. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ademola Lookman requests transfer from Atalanta citing broken promises and poor treatment - Africa
Lookman made the announcement with a statement posted on Instagram. The 27-year-old said the request was made 'after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer. 'Sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough,' he said. He said in the statement that it had already been decided that it was the 'right time" for him "to move on and experience a new adventure.' He said he and the club ownership had been 'in agreement' that now was the right time for a transfer, and that the club agreed to let him leave if a fair offer was made. He said an offer did arrive but now the club was not sticking to its end of the agreement. 'Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed, sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand,' he said. Lookman did not give other details about the offer. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
