East Africa Makes History as CHAN Kicks Off in Tanzania
In a first for the continent, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are jointly hosting the 2023 Confederation of African Football African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the tournament set to begin on Saturday, August 5, in Dar es Salaam.
The 19-team event is not only a historic feat but also a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which these three nations will also co-host. The unique format reflects the spirit of unity and collaboration fostered by the continent’s football governing body.
Group A: A Clash of Titans
Morocco, the two-time defending champions, heads into Group A with a formidable reputation. They will face Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Other standout teams in this group include Democratic Republic of Congo, who have reached the quarter-finals in each of the last three editions, and Zambia, who won the tournament in 2012.
Uganda’s Chance to Shine
As co-hosts, Uganda finds themselves in Group C with Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. ‘The Cranes’ have appeared in six out of seven previous CHAN tournaments but have yet to qualify for the knockout phase. They aim to buck this trend on home soil.
Commenting on their pre-tournament preparations, Uganda’s assistant coach, George Ssimwogerere, expressed confidence: “We have been preparing well… We are ready for this challenge.”
CHAN: An All-Home-Based Affair
One of the key rules of CHAN is that players must be based in their home countries and cannot play for clubs abroad. This allows for a unique competitive playing field, distinct from the usual tournaments where players are scattered across various international leagues.
The Role of CHAN in Continental Football
CHAN serves as a testing ground for the Africa Cup of Nations, giving lesser-known players the opportunity to shine. With the 2027 AFCON on the horizon, this tournament is a chance for these co-hosting nations to gain valuable experience.
The tournament kicks off with defending champions Senegal facing Nigeria in Zanzibar on August 5. The action will continue until August 30, with the continent eagerly watching as these 19 teams strive for CHAN glory. As the competition gets underway, one thing is certain: history is being made in East Africa.
