RAYMOND OMOLLO: CHAN 2024 - Once a gamble, now a model for future continental tournaments

When Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania came together to bid for the 2024 African Nations Championship, it was a bold statement of intent by the three nations to re-imagine what African football could look like when we collaborate, invest, and dream together. That promise has been kept.

Across the region, stadia have undergone major transformations, having been refurbished to international standards. From the renowned Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, to the nostalgic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala. These stadia, once symbols of past glory, have been restored into arenas where new African football stories are being written.

As Africa’s pioneer tri-nation CHAN hosting, the continental experiment has proved an overwhelmingsuccess.ThecollaborationdemonstratesthatEastAfrica,longconsideredasleeping giant of African football, could unite, organise and deliver an event experienced by millions across the continent and across the globe.

Theintenselogisticalcoordination–acrossgovernments,federations,organisers and communities – was nothing short of historic. Ultimately, a sense of shared ownership and exciting sibling rivalry was cultivated. What might once have been seen as a gamble has become a model for future continental tournaments.

If there was one undeniable champion of CHAN 2024, it was the fans. Kenya emerged as the heartbeat of the tournament. In Kasarani, crowds thundered as Harambee Stars entered the field.

AtNyayo,thestandspulsedwithrhythmandcolour.Beyondthestadiumwalls,officialfanzonesin areas such as Baba Dogo, Central Business District, Githurai and Mathare gave tens of thousands more a safe and vibrant way to experience the tournament together.

These fan zones were intentionally set up in strategically organised venues with large broadcast screens, proper seating, entertainment, mobile toilets and even emergency medical services. Families turned up, children painted their faces in national colours, and women, who have often been left out of mainstream football spaces, felt welcome and safe.

Withtheexceptionofafewinitialchallenges,the“12thManArmy”ofKenyansupportersembodied disciplineandpassionthroughoutCHAN2024.Theyturnedupinrecordnumbers,celebratedwith energy anddidsowithremarkableorder.ThistournamenthasshowcasedthatKenyanfandomcan balance excitement with responsibility, setting a new benchmark for football culture defined by discipline, unity and pride.

On the field, CHAN 2024 has been a showcase of Africa’s local talent. Unlike AFCON, CHAN is reserved for players based in their home countries’ leagues, making it a powerful platform for emerging stars from local and grassroots clubs.

Kenya,makingitsdebutintheknockoutstages,capturedtheimaginationofmillionsandrightlyso. From the confident escapes and topping the so-called “Group of Death” to the dramatic quarter-finalagainstMadagascaratKasarani,HarambeeStarsshowedthatlocalfootballhasthegritand qualitytocompetewiththecontinent’sbest.Forourneighbours,UgandaandTanzania,theroarof home fans lit up stadiums, while continental giants brought pedigree and fierce competition.