The CECAFA pre-CHAN tournament will now commence on today, Tuesday in Arusha, Tanzania, with the hosts taking on Uganda in the revised opening fixture at Karatu Stadium. The competition had originally been scheduled to begin on Monday, but a late withdrawal by Kenya forced a change in plans.
Initially, the regional tournament was to feature four teams: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Congo Brazzaville. However, Congo pulled out earlier and was replaced by CHAN title holders Senegal to maintain a competitive balance.
Drama unfolded just hours before kickoff when the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the Harambee Stars would no longer participate, despite the team already being in Karatu. The move caught organisers off guard and led to a one-day delay of the tournament.
CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo confirmed the changes, stating, “Despite Kenya’s withdrawal, the tournament will continue with three teams. We regret this last-minute decision, especially after extensive efforts were made to accommodate their concerns.”
The tournament will now proceed with a three-team round-robin format. After the opener between Tanzania and Uganda, the second game will pit Uganda against Senegal on July 25, before hosts Tanzania clash with the defending champions on July 27.
