CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirms dates for 2025 CHAN in Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed new dates for 2025 CHAN, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as co-hosts for the tournament.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will now take place from February 1 to 28, 2025.

This announcement comes after the tournament, originally scheduled for September 2023, was postponed due to a congested football calendar and issues with stadium certification.

Motsepe was speaking during a CAF Executive Committee meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, September 16.

The revised dates follow a period of uncertainty as East African host nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—awaited confirmation.

The president expressed optimism about the upcoming tournament, highlighting the commitment of the three countries to provide world-class facilities for the championship.

"I express deep gratitude to President Ruto for the inspiring message he gave this morning. Yesterday, I visited three stadiums, and I was very impressed by the commitment, innovations, and upgrades I saw. I am very pleased with the progress," Motsepe said.

The qualifiers are set to begin on the weekend of Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27, with the remaining matches scheduled for December.

Motsepe's visit included inspections of Kasarani, Nyayo, and Talanta stadiums in Kenya, which are undergoing significant renovations to meet CAF's international standards.

Motsepe further emphasized Kenya’s strong passion for football, expressing his confidence in the nation’s ability to deliver a memorable tournament.

"Kenya is a football-loving country, and I would like to thank all the ExCo members. I am grateful to President Ruto for his commitment. I am confident that next year's CHAN tournament in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will be the best ever," he said.

This will be the first time East African nations host the prestigious CHAN tournament which features domestic players from various African countries.

For the region, this represents a unique opportunity to enhance its football infrastructure and showcase its potential to the rest of the continent.

Motsepe also praised Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for their support of the tournament, which will be hosted across the three countries.

"I look forward to returning to check on the progress," he added.

The decision to reschedule the tournament comes on the heels of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda successfully securing the rights to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This will be a significant milestone for East African football as it marks the first time the region will host AFCON.

The stadiums inspected by Motsepe during his visit will play a crucial role in both the CHAN tournament and the 2027 AFCON.

Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums with long histories of hosting international matches are expected to be pivotal venues for CHAN 2025.

Meanwhile, Moi International Sports Kasarani which is currently undergoing rapid development, aims to meet the high standards set by CAF.

The upgrades to these facilities are essential, not just for the tournaments but for the long-term growth of football in the region.

"CHAN is going to contribute a lot to the players from the country, and I am very confident that football in this country will continue to grow," Motsepe said during his remarks, highlighting the tournament’s role in promoting domestic talent.

Since assuming office in March 2021, Motsepe has introduced several key reforms in African football.

Under his leadership, CAF has increased prize money for major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the Champions League.

He has also overseen the launch of the African Football League, a new initiative aimed at boosting the continent's football profile.

The Nairobi Executive Committee meeting further cements the city’s growing role in African football affairs, as Kenya, alongside its neighbors, prepares to welcome teams, fans, and officials for the 2025 CHAN and the 2027 AFCON.

The event signifies a major turning point for East Africa's football journey with local infrastructure development and talent nurturing taking center stage.