Morocco halts training camp after CHAN 2025 is officially postponed to August

Morocco halts training camp after CHAN 2025 is officially postponed to August

Mark Kinyanjui 19:45 - 14.01.2025

Morocco have halted their training camp for CHAN 2024 after the tournament was postponed to August fol

The Moroccan national team, guided by coach Tarek Sektioui, has canceled its preparatory camp for players born in 2000 and later following the postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

 The tournament, initially scheduled to take place from February 1 to 28, 2024, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, has been rescheduled to August 2025 due to infrastructural and logistical challenges.

In a statement, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) cited the need for additional time to complete construction and upgrades of stadiums, training fields, and other facilities across the host nations.

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 While progress has been made, CAF’s technical and infrastructure experts recommended the delay to ensure the venues meet the required standards for a successful tournament.

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed optimism about the efforts of the host nations:

“I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other infrastructure will meet CAF standards for hosting a very successful tournament in August 2025.”

The draw for CHAN 2024 is still set to take place on January 15, 2025, in Nairobi, despite the postponement.

The Moroccan squad, two-time CHAN champions, had planned to begin their training camp on Saturday to fine-tune their roster of young, talented players from local leagues. The postponement disrupted these plans, halting the team's momentum and leaving them in a state of uncertainty.

Coach Sektioui’s side was aiming to establish dominance in the upcoming competition. However, with the tournament now 19 months away, the team must recalibrate their preparations and maintain readiness for future engagements.

The delay sheds light on ongoing infrastructural and logistical challenges within African football. Uganda, in particular, has faced scrutiny for lagging preparations, fueling speculation about the tournament’s viability earlier in the year.

While the postponement provides additional time to address these challenges, it also disrupts the competitive rhythm of participating teams. Morocco and others must adapt their schedules to maintain player fitness and readiness.

CAF’s decision underscores the importance of ensuring that major tournaments are hosted at a high standard, aiming to enhance the reputation of African football on the global stage.

The exact dates for CHAN 2025 are yet to be announced even after Motsepe earmarked August as the new month,  but the tournament’s delay emphasizes the need for effective planning and execution by host nations.

 For now, teams like Morocco will focus on keeping their players motivated and prepared, as the long wait for the next CHAN continues.