As CHAN 2024 concludes at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, the benefits have been immense

Part of the fans at Moi Stadium, Kasrani, in one of the CHAN matches/HANDOUT. 

When Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania came together to pitch to CAF, it was more than a bid to host a tournament—it was a promise to re-imagine African football. 

That promise has been honoured through immense investment in stadium renovations, from Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar-es-salaam and Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, breathing new life into grounds where African dreams are written.

This convergence was a bold continental experiment that has paid off with resounding success. The seamless collaboration across borders has not only expanded the reach of the tournament but has also showcased East Africa as a region capable of uniting, organising and delivering at the highest level.

From the fever-pitch energy in the stadiums to the bustling fan zones in Baba Dogo, Githurai, Mathare and beyond, CHAN 2024 has been a competition that celebrates community, culture, and football as Africa’s unifying heartbeat. And now it is time for the coronation, a moment where all roads lead to Kasarani, and the crown of CHAN awaits its rightful owner.

The road to the finals

The finalists represent the very best of Africa’s local football. Each side carries with it not just skill but also the dreams of millions— from Kampala to Dar-es-salaam to Nairobi. Every goal scored, every tackle made, has been a story of resilience.

For Kenya, reaching the knockout stages as debutants was already history written; for Uganda and Tanzania, carrying the weight of home support has lit up stadiums; and for the continental giants in the mix, the chase for the crown has been nothing short of fierce.

Every game played has been a drumroll leading to the grand crescendo in Kenya on Saturday. The sweat, the tears, the tact and luck of all contenders, and only two will walk into Kasarani with the chance to make history.

Monumental fan turnout

If there has been one undeniable force behind CHAN, it has been the fans; more so in Nairobi, which saw the largest attendance, and in the Harambee Stars games, they were the crucial 12th Man Army.

The excitement in the fandom has been unmatchable. From Kasarani to Nyayo, from Baba Dogo fan zones to Githurai and Mathare, Kenyans proved that passion can be disciplined, and celebration can be orderly.

The voices that filled the air were more than chants; they were a statement that Kenya is ready to host Africa, not just in the stadiums but in the very heart of our communities.

Neighbours may have bragged, but Kenya showed that when fans protect the game, they become the biggest champions of all. This CHAN has been a re-imagining of football culture - one where fans are not on the sidelines but at the centre of the story, shaping the narrative of discipline and pride.

Meticulous organisation, historic moments

Behind the magic on the pitch has been meticulous organisation off it. The last match at Kasarani, Kenya’s quarterfinal match against Madagascar, was a showcase of how far Kenyan football has come.

From layered security that kept families safe, to fan zones that made sure no one was left out, to broadcast arrangements that took the game to every living room, to the well-organised fan zones to accommodate, celebrate and recognise those who could not make it to the stadium; this was a tournament planned with precision and greatly delivered with excellence.

 Kenya is no longer just participating in football conversations but sitting at the table and setting a standard for how African football can be hosted, enjoyed, and commercialised.

The Kenya finale: Africa comes home

Now, all roads lead to Kenya on Sunday as the continent will converge at Kasarani for the final chapter of CHAN 2024. It will be a football match marked by a coronation of discipline, unity and African pride.

From the first kickoff in Dar, Tanzania, to the final whistle in Nairobi, Kenya, this has been a journey that redefined African football. And as the trophy is lifted under the Nairobi night sky, the legacy will be clear: CHAN 2024 has been more than a tournament - it has been Africa’s Homecoming, and Kenya is its crowing abbey.