THE CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, set to take place from August 2 to August 30, 2025, will see Tanzania emerge as a central hub for this prestigious African football tournament.

Hosting alongside Kenya and Uganda, Tanzania has secured the lion’s share of matches, with a guaranteed 17 out of the tournament’s 44 matches, including the high-profile opening game.

This significant allocation underscores Tanzania’s growing stature in African football and the strategic decisions made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to leverage the country’s infrastructure and footballing passion.

Tanzania’s hosting responsibilities are split between two key venues: the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and the refurbished New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will set the stage for the tournament’s opening match on August 2, 2025, a moment that will draw global attention to Tanzanian football. 

Meanwhile, Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium (pictured), which successfully hosted the CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final in May 2025, has been entrusted with hosting all Group D matches, featuring Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria.

The allocation of Group D to Zanzibar came as a result of CAF’s decision to withdraw Kenya’s hosting rights for this group due to inadequate training facilities. 

Kenya had promised six training grounds and an additional pitch for referees, but only a few were deemed ready or near completion. 

This development proved to be a golden opportunity for Tanzania, as Zanzibar stepped in to host the six group-stage matches of Group D, significantly boosting Tanzania’s overall match count.

In addition to the Group D matches, Dar es Salaam will host all 10 matches of Group B, which includes Tanzania’s national team alongside Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Central African Republic. 

Combined with the opening match, Tanzania’s total of 17 matches surpasses Kenya’s 11 (including the final) and Uganda’s 10 (including the third-place playoff), making it the primary host nation in terms of match volume.

Tanzania’s prominent role in CHAN 2024 reflects CAF’s confidence in the country’s ability to deliver continental football events. 

The inclusion of Zanzibar as a host venue is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with CAF’s commitment to expanding the reach and inclusivity of African football. 

Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium, with its recent track record of hosting major continental finals, is a testament to Tanzania’s investment in modern sports infrastructure.

Hosting the opening match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium also carries symbolic weight. As the home of Tanzanian football, the stadium will provide a vibrant backdrop for the tournament’s kickoff, showcasing the country’s rich footballing culture to a global audience. 

For Tanzanian fans, the opportunity to see their national team compete in Group B matches on home soil adds an extra layer of excitement and national pride.

Tanzania’s hosting of 17 matches is expected to bring significant economic and cultural benefits. The influx of players, officials, and fans to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar will boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tourism. 

Zanzibar, in particular, stands to gain as a premier tourist destination, with football fans likely to explore its historic sites and pristine beaches alongside the matches.

Culturally, the tournament will provide a platform for Tanzania to showcase its hospitality and passion for football. 

The Group B matches in Dar es Salaam and Group D matches in Zanzibar will feature some of Africa’s most competitive teams, ensuring thrilling encounters that will captivate local audiences and elevate Tanzania’s profile as a footballing nation.

The CAF CHAN 2024 marks a historic return of the tournament to East Africa, following Rwanda’s successful hosting in 2016. 

Tanzania’s leading role in this edition, with 17 guaranteed matches, positions the country as a cornerstone of the event’s success. 

By hosting the opening match and a significant portion of the group-stage games, Tanzania is poised to leave a lasting legacy in African football.

As the countdown to August 2025 begins, Tanzania’s football fans and stakeholders can look forward to a month of exhilarating action, with the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and Amaan Stadium serving as vibrant hubs of the CHAN 2024 experience. 

 With 17 matches secured, Tanzania has truly won big in the hosting arrangements, cementing its place as a powerhouse in East African football.