CAF Postpones TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, originally scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, has been postponed to August 2025.
Infrastructure Development in Progress
Significant progress has been made in the three host nations, including constructing and upgrading stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure required for the tournament. However, CAF’s technical and infrastructure experts, who have been working closely with local authorities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, have advised that more time is needed to ensure all facilities meet the high standards necessary to host a successful CHAN tournament.
Gratitude from CAF Leadership
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed his appreciation to the presidents of the three host nations for their leadership and commitment to the project.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment, and the good progress made in building and upgrading the infrastructure for hosting a successful CHAN tournament. I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and I am confident that all facilities will meet CAF’s standards by August 2025,” said Dr. Motsepe.
Upcoming Draw in Nairobi
The official draw for the tournament will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 20:00 Nairobi Time.
New Dates to Be Announced
While the tournament has been rescheduled for August 2025, CAF will confirm the exact dates later.
CAF remains committed to delivering a world-class event that reflects the progress and passion for football in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
CAF Awards 2024: Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda Shine on Africa’s Biggest Night
The stage was set, the stars aligned, and African football’s finest were honored at the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony held on December 16, 2024, in the historic city of Marrakech, Morocco. The prestigious event celebrated the outstanding talents who have dazzled fans across the globe over the past year.
In an evening of glamour, emotion, and thrilling achievements, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Zambia’s Barbra Banda stole the spotlight by claiming the coveted Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year awards.
Ademola Lookman: 2024 African Footballer of the Year
Ademola Lookman, the dynamic Atalanta winger, was crowned African Footballer of the Year after an extraordinary 2023-24 season. He beat out stiff competition from:
🇨🇮 Simon Adingra (Brighton)
🇬🇳 Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
🇲🇦 Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
🇿🇦 Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Lookman’s Standout Year
Lookman’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable:
Europa League Hero: He led Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy with a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the sixth player in history to achieve this feat in a European club final.
AFCON Excellence: On the international front, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON 2023 final, scoring three goals and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Ballon d’Or Recognition: His achievements were further validated by being the only African player shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing in a respectable 14th place.
This triumph makes Lookman the second consecutive Nigerian to win the award, following Victor Osimhen's victory in 2023.
👑 Barbra Banda: Queen of African Football ⚽
Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian to win the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Her outstanding performances earned her the honor over:
🇲🇦 Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR)
🇳🇬 Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
A Year of Historic Achievements 📈
Banda’s exceptional year included:
NWSL Glory: She fired Orlando Pride to their first-ever NWSL Championship, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Washington Spirit.
Olympic Heroics: Banda shone for Zambia at the Paris Olympics, scoring four goals, including a spectacular hat-trick against Australia.
BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year: Her brilliance was also recognized globally, securing the prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award.
With her powerful performances, Banda has firmly etched her name in the annals of African football history.
Other Major Winners of the Night
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year:
🇿🇦 Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) – An incredible year for the South African captain, who also claimed the Men’s Interclub Player of the Year award.
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year:
🇳🇬 Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC) – The Nigerian shot-stopper continues to prove she’s one of the best in the world.
Men’s Coach of the Year:
🇨🇮 Emerse Fae – For leading Côte d'Ivoire to a stellar AFCON campaign.
Women’s Coach of the Year:
🇨🇩 Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe) – Recognized for her remarkable achievements in women’s football.
Club of the Year:
Men’s: 🇪🇬 Al Ahly (Egypt)
Women’s: 🇨🇩 TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Young Players of the Year:
Men’s: 🇸🇳 Lamine Camara (Monaco)
Women’s: 🇲🇦 Doha El Madani (AS FAR)
A Night to Remember
The CAF Awards 2024 wasn’t just about trophies; it was a celebration of the passion, resilience, and brilliance of African football. The event featured electrifying performances from top African artists like Diamond Platnumz and Dystinct, adding flair and excitement to the ceremony.
Adding to the significance of the night, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya was honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
📆 Looking Ahead
As the curtain falls on the 2024 CAF Awards, the spotlight now turns to AFCON 2025 in Morocco and the continued growth of African football on the global stage.
🔗 Stay tuned to [The Sports Infotainment Group] for more updates, exclusive insights, and in-depth coverage of African football! ⚽🌍
Who were your favorite winners of the night? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
