THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the draw for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will take place in Kenya, despite lingering doubts over the country’s readiness to co-host the tournament.

The CHAN tournament, which exclusively features national teams composed of players from domestic leagues, is slated to run from February 1 to february 28, 2025. 

This edition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a historic collaboration among the three East African nations.

While preparations for the tournament appear to be on track in Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya has faced delays in completing renovations of its stadiums. Both Tanzania and Uganda have finalized the refurbishment of their stadiums and installed all necessary equipment. 

In contrast, Kenya is yet to meet similar milestones, raising concerns about its ability to host matches as planned.

The issue of infrastructure development in Kenya has been a recurring challenge. Although CAF has urged the host nations to expedite their preparations, Kenya’s slow progress has cast doubt on whether the nation will fulfill its hosting obligations in time for the tournament.

CAF confirmed in a statement issued on January 5, 2025, that the draw for the 2024 CHAN tournament will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. 

The event is scheduled for January 15, 2025, and will determine the group-stage matchups for the competition.

The draw is expected to attract widespread attention, as the tournament provides a unique platform for showcasing local talent from across Africa. 

With only 28 days remaining until the competition kicks off, CAF is also facing the task of confirming the final two participating teams to complete the 19-team lineup.

To date, 17 teams have secured their places in the tournament following a rigorous qualification process. However, CAF has yet to announce the identity of the two additional teams that will join the final roster. 

This delay has added to the anticipation surrounding the draw, as fans and analysts alike await the unveiling of the complete tournament lineup.

The 2024 CHAN will feature an expanded format, with the number of teams increasing from 16 to 19. This change reflects CAF’s commitment to promoting the development of domestic football across the continent.

The decision to award hosting rights to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda was hailed as a significant milestone for East African football. It marks the first time that three countries have come together to co-host the CHAN tournament.

Tanzania and Uganda, both experienced in organizing international football events, have been lauded for their swift preparations. Kenya’s delays, however, threaten to overshadow the collaborative effort. 

CAF officials are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and have not ruled out the possibility of reallocating matches to other host countries if Kenya fails to meet the required standards.

The CHAN tournament holds a special place in African football, as it is exclusively for players plying their trade in domestic leagues. This provides a unique opportunity for lesser-known talents to showcase their skills on an international stage. 

The competition also serves as a platform for local leagues to gain recognition and strengthen their profiles.

Over the years, CHAN has grown in stature, with several players using the tournament as a springboard to launch successful professional careers abroad. 

The 2024 edition is expected to build on this legacy, particularly given the expanded format and the involvement of three host nations.

With just under a month to go before the tournament begins, CAF is under pressure to resolve the remaining logistical challenges and finalize the lineup of participating teams. 

The draw in Nairobi will be a critical milestone in the lead-up to the competition, providing a clearer picture of the group-stage dynamics and the journey to the championship title.