Ever heard of CHAN? No, not AFCON—CHAN, the African Nations Championship. If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry; you’re not alone. But let me tell you, it’s a tournament that deserves your full attention!

First things first, CHAN isn’t your average football competition. Unlike the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN is strictly for homegrown talent, only players actively competing in their domestic leagues qualify. That’s right, no big international stars jetting in from European clubs, this is pure, homegrown African football at its finest. It’s been around since 2009, making it relatively young, but it’s rapidly carving out a unique identity of its own.

The magic started back in Ivory Coast in 2009 when DR Congo lifted the inaugural trophy. Morocco has also been a powerhouse, winning back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2020, showing the continent how it’s done. And just recently, in 2023 (technically the 2022 edition delayed), Senegal clinched their first CHAN trophy in a dramatic penalty shootout against Algeria. Talk about nerve-racking!

Now, the next CHAN tournament, set to happen from August 2–30, 2025, is already making headlines. Why? Because it’s breaking tradition, three nations will co-host it for the first time ever: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. East Africa, stand up! And trust me, there’s already a buzz in the air, especially in Kenya.
 

Kenya will host some high-stakes matches at Nairobi’s iconic Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo National Stadium, freshly renovated and ready to welcome up to 60,000 passionate fans ready to chant, cheer, and dance their hearts out. Picture this: the stadium packed to the rafters, fans clad in vibrant national colors, the rhythmic beat of drums echoing in the night sky. Pure magic!

And did you hear about the prize money? CAF upped the stakes, with the winners now bagging a cool USD 3.5 million about KSh 455 million. That’s right, a 75% increase! Talk about motivation for the local stars to shine brighter than ever. CHAN isn’t just football; it’s opportunity knocking at every player’s door, showcasing local heroes who might just become tomorrow’s international stars.

Tickets for the matches in Kenya are affordable and easy to access, with prices starting at just KSh 200 for regular seating, KSh 500 for VIP, and KSh 1,000 for VVIP. They’re exclusively available on mookh.com from July 23, 2025. Mark your calendars because Harambee Stars’ group games are exciting:
    •    August 3: Kenya vs DR Congo at Kasarani
    •    August 7: Angola vs Kenya at Kasarani
    •    August 10: Kenya vs Morocco at Kasarani
    •    August 17: Kenya vs Zambia at Kasarani

This tournament isn’t just about the action on the pitch, though trust me, that alone is worth every minute, it’s about pride, identity, and celebrating African football in its purest form. It’s about seeing a young Kenyan talent dazzle under the Kasarani floodlights or a Tanzanian striker scoring a goal that will be replayed for generations. It’s about unity, rivalry, and the beautiful chaos of football passion.

So mark your calendars for August 2025. Whether you’re a hardcore football fan or just discovering the beauty of African football, CHAN promises unforgettable moments. And who knows? Maybe this is the year East Africa, and especially Kenya, writes its name into football folklore.

Are you ready? Because CHAN is coming home, to our home. Let’s celebrate, cheer, and make history together!