Tanzania is set to make history as it co-hosts the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Kenya and Uganda, marking the first time the East African nation will stage the tournament.
With anticipation at fever pitch, preparations in Dar es Salaam and across the country are in full swing, as the nation prepares to welcome Africa’s best home-based football talents from August 2 to 30.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling economic hub, will serve as the host city for Group B matches. The group features Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, and Mauritania. The opening match between Tanzania and Burkina Faso will kick off at the refurbished Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Across Dar es Salaam, streets are adorned with colourful African flags, promotional banners, and vibrant football-themed decorations. The atmosphere is electric as fans gear up to become the team’s “12th man.” Supporters of Tanzania’s top clubs, Young Africans and Simba, are leading the charge in rallying the public behind the national team, Taifa Stars.
Youth-driven campaigns and grassroots initiatives have sprung up in communities to build awareness and drive support for the tournament. Excitement continues to grow ahead of the opener, with large public viewing centres being set up in major cities including Arusha, Dodoma, Mbeya, and Mwanza.
In preparation for CHAN 2024, the Tanzanian government and the Tanzania Football Federation have completed upgrades to key stadiums and training facilities. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium has undergone extensive renovations to meet international standards, ensuring smooth hosting of all Group B matches.
The newly built Amani Complex in Zanzibar, another showcase venue, further highlights Tanzania’s investment in sporting infrastructure.
To coincide with the tournament, the Tanzania Tourist Board has launched a nationwide tourism campaign titled “Tinga CHAN, Tinga Tanzania.” The initiative seeks to leverage the global spotlight on CHAN to showcase Tanzania’s world-renowned attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar.
Speaking at a press briefing, Tourism Board Director General Ephraim Mafuru said, “We are proud to host CHAN 2024. It is not just a football event—it’s a golden opportunity to present Tanzania to the world as a top travel destination.”
The Tanzanian national team enters the tournament full of optimism, driven by passionate home support and thorough preparation. Head coach Hemed Suleiman has been working intensively with his squad during camp, focusing on tactical discipline and physical readiness.
With Group B matches on home soil and an entire nation behind them, the Taifa Stars hope to advance deep into the tournament.
This edition of CHAN is not just a sporting spectacle but also a testament to regional unity. Co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, CHAN 2024 represents a shared East African vision of collaboration in sports, culture, and economic development.
As the continent descends on East Africa, Tanzania stands ready—combining football passion, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality.
