Tags: East African Football, CHAN 2024, AFCON 2027, Football Development, Gianni Infantino, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
The success of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, has marked a turning point for East African football. For the first time in history, the tournament was staged in the region, and it delivered beyond expectations, offering not only thrilling football but also a glimpse into a brighter footballing future for East Africa.
The final in Nairobi, where Morocco edged Madagascar 3-2, symbolized more than just another trophy win for the Atlas Lions. It represented a celebration of East Africa’s ability to host world-class football. Stadiums were packed to capacity, especially when the host nations played, highlighting the region’s passion and hunger for the game. Even matches that did not feature local teams drew impressive crowds, with the final itself boasting a festival-like atmosphere.
Beyond the spectacle, the tournament showcased significant infrastructural progress. Newly built and renovated stadiums across the three host nations provided a strong foundation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be held in the region. This progress, combined with improved organizational efficiency, has boosted confidence in East Africa’s capacity to deliver large-scale tournaments.
The legacy of CHAN 2024, however, extends far deeper than infrastructure. It lies in the promise of long-term investment in grassroots football. With attention now shifting toward building academies, national training centres, and youth programs, the tournament has set the stage for a pipeline of talent to emerge from the region. Kenya, in particular, has seen renewed momentum with a fresh football federation leadership committed to driving change and improving governance.
For Uganda and Tanzania, the experience has been equally transformative. Local players gained exposure on a continental stage, sparking interest from clubs and scouts across Africa and beyond. The success of the event also proved that East African football is no longer confined to the shadows of North, West, or Southern Africa. Instead, it has the potential to stand proudly alongside them.
As preparations for AFCON 2027 intensify, the CHAN 2024 tournament will be remembered as the launchpad. Its impact goes beyond Morocco’s triumph; it is the story of an entire region stepping confidently into a new era. For East Africa, CHAN 2024 was not an end but a powerful beginning.
