Kenya has been officially designated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host the final match of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place on August 30, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi24. This marks a significant milestone as CHAN returns to East Africa for the first time since the 2016 edition hosted by Rwanda, with Kenya co-hosting alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar.
Multi-Nation Hosting and Venues
The 2025 CHAN tournament is unique in its regional collaboration, with matches spread across four East African locations:
Kenya (Nairobi): Hosting Group A matches featuring Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia, as well as the grand final at Kasarani Stadium24.
Tanzania (Dar es Salaam): Hosting Group B matches and the opening game at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium2.
Uganda (Kampala): Hosting Group C matches and the third-place playoff at Mandela Stadium24.
Zanzibar (Amaan Stadium): Hosting Group D matches, further highlighting Zanzibar’s growing football infrastructure after successfully staging the CAF Confederation Cup final in May 2025124.
This distribution reflects CAF’s commitment to inclusivity and regional development, strengthening East Africa’s position on the continental football map.
Kenya’s Preparedness and Government Support
Kenya’s readiness to host the CHAN final and group stage matches has been affirmed by government officials and CAF inspections. Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya emphasized Kenya’s robust infrastructure, logistical planning, and multi-agency coordination to ensure a world-class tournament experience56. The government has paid hosting rights and is actively working with Uganda and Tanzania to finalize cross-border facilitation measures, including proposals for a “PAMOJA Visa” to ease movement for players, officials, and fans5.
CAF officials, including Pierre Alain Mounguengui, have praised the progress made by the host nations and urged accelerated preparations to meet tournament timelines6. Kenya’s Kasarani Stadium, one of the premier sports facilities in Africa, is set to showcase its capacity to host major international events, building on its history as a venue for CHAN and AFCON matches3.
Tournament Significance and Regional Impact
The 2025 CHAN tournament, running from August 2 to 30, exclusively features players active in their domestic leagues, spotlighting local talent and boosting national leagues across Africa. Hosting the final in Nairobi not only elevates Kenya’s sporting profile but also symbolizes East Africa’s growing influence in African football24.
CAF has highlighted the joint hosting initiative as a demonstration of regional unity and a step toward expanding football infrastructure and fan engagement in Africa4. The tournament is expected to attract thousands of fans and media attention, providing economic and cultural benefits to the host cities.
Looking Ahead
Further details regarding match schedules, ticketing, and fan activities will be announced by CAF in due course24. The excitement across East Africa is palpable as the region prepares to welcome the continent’s best domestic players and deliver a memorable CHAN 2025.
Kenya’s hosting of the CHAN 2025 final is a landmark event that underscores the country’s growing stature in African football and the power of regional cooperation in delivering world-class sporting events. Fans and stakeholders alike are gearing up for a celebration of football talent and East African hospitality this August.