Harambee Stars lands in Group of Death after historic CHAN draw

Kenyas McDonald Mariga, Uganda Hassan Wasswa, and Mrisho Ngasa of Tanzania during the Draw for the of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship CHAN 2024 Final Draw at KICC in Nairobi Kenya on Wednesday January 15, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard

Kenya finds itself in the "group of death" following the highly anticipated 2024 CHAN (African Nations Championship) draw conducted on Wednesday evening at the iconic KICC Tsavo Ballroom in Nairobi.

The draw, which sets the stage for the biannual football tournament slated for August 2025, was a historic moment, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda co-hosting the event for the first time in CHAN history.

Host nation Kenya will face a daunting challenge in Group A alongside two-time champions Morocco, 2016 winners DR Congo, 2012 AFCON victors Zambia, and Angola. The group has already been dubbed the toughest, with all five teams boasting strong football traditions.

Tanzania, placed in Group B, will face Rigobert Song’s Central Africa Republic, Madagascar, and Burkina Faso. Uganda, in Group C, was drawn alongside Niger, Guinea, and two yet-to-be-identified qualifiers. Meanwhile, Group D features Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria in another highly competitive pool.

The draw ceremony was graced by top officials, including Kenya's Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, and his counterparts from Tanzania and Uganda, symbolizing the East African unity behind the co-hosting effort. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe praised the collaboration, saying, “We are confident that the 2025 CHAN will be the best edition ever hosted on the African continent.”

Dr. Motsepe highlighted the tournament’s role in promoting African football, as CHAN exclusively features players based in domestic leagues across the continent. “This is an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent that exists in Africa,” he added.

The draw assistants were football legends from the host nations, including Kenya’s McDonald Mariga, Tanzania’s Mrisho Ngassa, and Uganda’s Hassan Wasswa. Their presence underscored the pride and anticipation surrounding the tournament.

Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya expressed confidence in the country’s preparations, assuring fans of an unforgettable tournament. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Harambee Stars face an uphill battle in Group A but remain hopeful of leveraging home advantage.

As the countdown to August 2025 begins, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling competition showcasing Africa’s finest football talent. The 2024 CHAN draw has set the stage for a historic tournament, with Kenya eager to shine on home soil despite the formidable opposition.

2024 CHAN (African Nations Championship) draw

Group A

Kenya

Morocco

Angola

DR Congo

Zambia

 

Group B

Tanzania

Madagascar

Central Africa Republic

Burkina Faso

 

Group C

Uganda

Niger

Guinea

Q2

Q1

 

Group D

Senegal

Congo

Sudan

Nigeria