- History has been made as CHAN 2024 co-hosts Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania all storm into the quarterfinals.
- Kenya topped Group A with 10 points, earning three wins and one draw.
- Tanzania were the first to qualify, finishing top of Group B with 10 points from three wins and one draw.
- Uganda topped Group C with seven points, securing two wins, one draw, and one defeat.
The 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) has witnessed a historic milestone, with all three co-hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania securing their spots in the quarterfinals.
This defiant success marks the first time in the tournament’s history that three nations have jointly hosted and simultaneously advanced to the knockout stages under the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This eighth edition of CHAN is unprecedented, not only for its tri-nation hosting but also for the collective success of the co-hosts.
Uganda, previously in five outings were unable to progress beyond the group stage. Tanzania, who had stumbled twice before, and Kenya, making their tournament debut, all defied expectations by topping their respective groups.
In this piece, SportPesa Blog explores how these East African giants overcame the odds to make history in a continental competition that celebrates domestic-based talent.
Kenya stuns continent, tops group of death
Making their CHAN debut, Kenya had not come close to a major tournament final since 1987, when they hosted the All-Africa Games.
Drawn into what many dubbed the “Group of Death”, Harambee Stars faced formidable opponents in two-time champions DR Congo, heavyweights Morocco, Angola and Zambia.
However, under the guidance of former Manchester United forward Benni McCarthy, the Harambee Stars delivered a sensational performance.
ALSO READ: CHAN 2024: Ogam fires Kenya past Zambia to top group, seal home quarterfinal spot
Kenya began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo, courtesy of a stunning solo strike from Austin Odhiambo.
In their second match, despite going down to ten men after Marvin Nabwire was sent off, they showed immense resilience to draw 1-1 against Angola, with Odhiambo converting from the penalty spot.
The third match saw them face Morocco, a fixture many believed would be too steep a mountain to climb.
Once again, Kenya shocked the continent, pulling off a 1-0 win with Ryan Ogama finding the net, despite the team being reduced to ten men after Crispine Erambo received a red card.
ALSO READ: Zambia vs Kenya CHAN 2024 Player Ratings: Muchiri sparkles as Ogam seals Group A top spot
Already assured of qualification, Kenya sealed top spot in their group with another composed performance, edging Zambia 1-0 in their final group match.
Ogam once again proved decisive, netting a sublime winner that booked Kenya a quarterfinal showdown with Madagascar on Friday, August 22 at Kasarani Stadium.
Tanzania command Group B with convincing run
Appearing in their third CHAN tournament, Tanzania were dominant from start to finish, concluding the group stage with an impressive 10 points, matching Kenya’s total.
The Taifa Stars kicked off the tournament in style, earning a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso with goals from Abdul Hamis and Mohamed Hussein.
Their second match saw them edge past Mauritania 1-0, thanks to Shomari Kapombe’s strike.
Tanzania then secured another vital win, overcoming Cameroon 2-1, with a brace from the electric Clement Mzize.
Their final group game ended in a goalless draw, but it was enough to confirm them as Group B winners.
Tanzania will now face Morocco in the quarterfinals on Friday, August 22 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
ALSO READ: Tanzania vs Madagascar: Taifa Stars secure historic CHAN 2024 knockout spot
CHAN 2024 co-hosts Uganda recover from early setback to top Group C
Unlike their co-host counterparts, Uganda began their campaign on a sour note, suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Algeria.
However, the Cranes rebounded spectacularly.
In their second match, Uganda delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Guinea, with goals from Reagan Mpande, Allan Okello, and Ivan Ahimbisibwe, rejuvenating their campaign.
Their third match, against Niger, brought another solid performance as they triumphed 2-0, courtesy of Okello and Joel Sserunjogi.
Despite finishing with seven points, Uganda’s place in the quarterfinals remained uncertain due to the tightly contested group.
In a dramatic final match against South Africa, Uganda trailed 3-1 in the 84th minute but remarkably earned two penalties in four minutes both of which were converted to draw 3-3 and seal a miraculous qualification.
This marks the first time Uganda has advanced past the group stage in six CHAN appearances, a historic milestone under coach Morley Byekwaso.
ALSO READ: South Africa vs Uganda: Late penalties send Uganda Cranes to CHAN 2024 quarterfinals
CHAN 2024 Quarterfinal Fixtures
Friday, 22 August 2025
- 17:00 – Kenya vs Madagascar (Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi)
- 20:00 – Tanzania vs Morocco (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)
Saturday, 23 August 2025
- 17:00 – Winners Group D vs Algeria (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
- 20:00 – Uganda vs Runners-up Group D Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)