The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the 2025 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was initially set to begin on February 1 in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
In a statement released by CAF, the tournament will now take place in August, though the specific date is yet to be communicated.
CHAN is a tournament started to promote home-based talents. It features only players based in their domestic leagues.
The postponement follows visits and recommendations from CAF’s technical and infrastructure experts, who have advised the host countries to have more time to ensure their infrastructure and facilities meet the necessary standards for a successful tournament.
This development comes after co-host Uganda heightened preparations for the tournament, in which they were looking to progress from the group stages for the first time ever.
The Cranes were due to play a friendly against Niger in Rwanda on January 18, followed by another against DR Congo in the UAE on January 24.
Despite the delay, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe praised the progress made by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania in upgrading their stadiums, training facilities, hotels, and hospitals.
“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 the requisite CAF standards for hosting a very successful CHAN in August 2025,” the statement read.
The draw for the CHAN tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025. CAF added that the precise start date for the tournament in August 2025 will be announced in due course.
A total of 19 countries are expected to compete in the CHAN tournament, which will be held across the three host countries.
The postponement comes just a week after Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put announced a provisional squad of 36 players in preparation for the tournament.
