Lammens Joins in €21m Deal
Manchester United completed the signing of goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for €21 million.
The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, now set to unfold from August 2 to August 30, 2025, is poised to be a landmark event in African football. Originally planned for February 2025, the tournament was postponed to allow Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda additional time to prepare, marking the first time three nations will co-host this biennial competition. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN exclusively features players active in their domestic leagues, offering a platform for homegrown talent to shine on a continental stage. With 19 teams competing across five venues in four cities, this eighth edition of CHAN is the largest in its history, reflecting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of African football.
The decision to delay the tournament came on January 14, 2025, just before the final draw in Nairobi, Kenya. CAF cited the need for enhanced infrastructure, including stadiums, training facilities, and medical services, to ensure a world-class event. “This postponement allows us to deliver a tournament that meets the high standards expected by players and fans alike,” said Seidou Mbombo Njoya, CAF’s 4th Vice President and Chairperson of the CHAN organizing committee, during a press conference in Nairobi. The extra time also facilitated an additional qualifying round, finalizing the participation of Equatorial Guinea after the disqualification of the Republic of the Congo due to eligibility issues.
The tournament’s opening match will take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the final scheduled for the Moi International Sports Center in Nairobi, Kenya. Other key venues include the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, and additional stadiums in Dodoma, Tanzania, and Mombasa, Kenya. “Hosting CHAN across three nations is a unique opportunity to showcase East Africa’s unity and hospitality,” said Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni during the tournament’s launch event at Kololo Grounds on July 25, 2025. He emphasized the potential for tourism and regional integration, inviting fans to explore the region’s cultural and natural attractions alongside the football action.
The draw, conducted at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, placed Kenya in a challenging Group A alongside two-time champions Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. “This is a true group of death,” remarked Jacob Mulee, former coach of Kenya’s Harambee Stars, who attended the draw. “But with six months to prepare, Kenya has a chance to rise to the occasion.” The draw, supervised by CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, Samson Adamu, and assisted by regional football legends like Kenya’s McDonald Mariga, set the stage for thrilling matchups. Group stage fixtures will follow a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
CHAN’s unique format, restricting participation to domestic league players, underscores its role in promoting local talent. Uganda’s head coach, Paul Joseph Put, named a provisional squad that includes three U-17 players—Brian Jjara, Isima Magala Mulala, and James Bogere—who recently helped the Uganda Cubs win the CECAFA U-17 Championship. “These young players are capable, and this is their chance to compete at a higher level,” Put said, highlighting the tournament’s role in nurturing emerging stars. Similarly, South Africa’s squad, announced by the South African Football Association, will assemble in Johannesburg before heading to the host nations, aiming to build on their domestic league’s reputation for producing competitive talent.
The tournament’s significance extends beyond the pitch. As a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, also to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, CHAN 2025 serves as a dress rehearsal for the region’s organizational capabilities. “We’re not just hosting a football tournament; we’re building a legacy for East African sports,” said Kenya’s Sports Minister during the draw. The event is expected to boost local economies through tourism and infrastructure development, with Uganda’s First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, noting the potential for cultural exchange. “Come to Uganda and enjoy CHAN, but also visit our national parks and heritage sites,” she urged fans.
Historically, CHAN has been a platform for unexpected triumphs. Morocco and DR Congo lead with two titles each, while Senegal, the reigning champions, made history in 2023 by winning both CHAN and the Africa Cup of Nations back-to-back. Morocco, however, will not defend their title due to diplomatic tensions with Algeria, a reminder of the geopolitical challenges that occasionally intersect with sport. Despite this, the 19-team field promises fierce competition, with nations like Nigeria, Algeria, and Mali fielding strong domestic squads. “CHAN is about pride and passion for our local leagues,” said a CAF spokesperson. “It’s where the heart of African football beats.”
Preparations are in full swing, with broadcasters like UBC TV in Uganda securing rights to air the tournament live. Ticket sales have begun, and CAF has encouraged fans to secure their spots early for what promises to be a month of electrifying football. The tournament’s schedule, released on June 27, 2025, outlines a rigorous competition, with extra time and penalty shootouts deciding knockout matches, except for the third-place playoff, which will go straight to penalties if needed. As the countdown to August 2 continues, anticipation is building across East Africa and beyond, with fans eager to see which nation will claim the coveted title.
