KANANURA: CHAN 2024 may be over, but its legacy is just beginning

The 2024 African Nations Championship – co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania – ran from August 2 to 30, 2025, and marked a defining moment for Kenyan football. For the first time ever, the Harambee Stars took part in the competition, and what a debut it was.

Kasarani Stadium became a fortress for the home side until the quarterfinals, where they bowed out to an exciting Madagascar team that went all the way to the final, eventually losing to worthy champions Morocco. 

Watching it all unfold live in Nairobi was a privilege—a glimpse into the bright future of Kenyan football.

The main purpose of CHAN has always been to showcase and elevate local talent — and the 2024 edition delivered exactly that. Under the guidance of new head coach Benni McCarthy, the Harambee Stars showed a refreshing brand of football. 

McCarthy, already adored by Kenyan fans, instilled a sense of discipline and belief within the squad. The team displayed real defensive grit, soaking up pressure from technically superior sides such as Morocco, while hitting back with explosive counterattacks that left fans on the edge of their seats. 

Kenya’s style of play was dynamic, direct and brave—a clear reflection of McCarthy’s influence. 

Several standout performers emerged from the tournament. Ryan Ogam and Alphonce Omijja caught the eyes of scouts from Europe and North Africa, earning moves to Austria and Egypt, respectively. 

Their success symbolised the growing quality of Kenya’s domestic leagues and how much the world is now watching. For young Kenyan footballers, CHAN 2024 became proof that local talent can shine on the continental stage. If football is nothing without fans, then CHAN 2024 proved that Kenya’s passion for the game burns brighter than ever. Kasarani Stadium was packed to the brim every matchday, with supporters flooding in from every corner of the country.

The atmosphere was electric – from the first whistle to the final one. Fans chanted, danced, and waved flags, turning the stands into a sea of red, black and green – Kenya’s national colours. It felt like Kenya’s very own Anfield. After the famous 1–0 win against Morocco, Benni McCarthy was quick to praise the supporters, saying their energy pushed the team over the line.

This level of passion highlighted just how deeply football is woven into the fabric of Kenyan life. It wasn’t just about the game — it was a celebration of identity and unity.

Beyond the pitch, CHAN 2024 was a marketing triumph. Nairobi was flooded with banners, and billboards promoting the tournament. Local media buzzed with excitement, and the build-up drew in new fans who might not have followed the domestic leagues before. 

President William Ruto himself urged supporters to “jaza stadi” (fill the stadium), and Kenyans responded in full voice. Every match saw massive turnouts, transforming the competition into a festival of football and culture. The marketing team deserves huge credit for turning CHAN into a national event that united fans across generations.

Of course, no tournament is perfect. A few areas still need work to ensure future competitions run smoothly.

 First of all, security: During Kenya’s early matches, there were incidents of fans entering the stadium without tickets, overwhelming security at the gates.

Then I would also point out the issue of chants and fan culture: Despite the electric atmosphere, the fans lacked unified chants to rally behind the team. Considering Kenya’s rich musical culture, this is something that can easily be developed. A few coordinated chants could elevate the stadium experience and help the Harambee Stars feel the rhythm of home support.

CHAN 2024 may be over, but its legacy is just beginning. The tournament highlighted the progress in Kenyan football infrastructure, with facilities such as the Police Sacco Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex and the ongoing construction of Talanta Stadium – a 60,000-seater – showing the country’s commitment to developing the game.

The event also sparked renewed energy in the domestic league. Clubs have begun improving their marketing strategies, and fans are showing greater interest in local matches. Most importantly, CHAN reignited belief – belief that Kenyan football can compete on the continental stage; that young talent can rise from local pitches to global arenas; and that the country can host world-class tournaments successfully.

With Afcon (the Africa Cup of Nations) 2027 set to be hosted in Kenya, the stage is now set for the next chapter. The lessons from CHAN 2024 — both the successes and shortcomings — will be invaluable. If Kenya builds on this momentum, the Harambee Stars could soon stand among Africa’s elite.

The future is bright, and the journey has just begun. 

The writer comments on topical issues