The Uganda Cranes will fine-tune their preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) by participating in a high-stakes four-nation tournament set to take place in Arusha, Tanzania from July 21 to 27, 2025.
Organized by the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), the regional mini-tournament will feature Uganda, co-hosts Tanzania and Kenya, along with guest team Congo Brazzaville, all of whom will be competing at CHAN 2024, which begins on August 2.
CECAFA Executive Director Auka John Gecheo emphasised the significance of the tournament, stating, “This is a vital opportunity for our member nations to get match-fit and iron out final tactical details ahead of CHAN.”
Uganda’s fixture list kicks off with a regional derby against Kenya’s Harambee Stars on July 21, followed by a duel with Congo Brazzaville on July 24. They will wrap up the round-robin tournament against hosts Tanzania on July 27. The matches will be hosted at the Karatu Stadium, with the team accumulating the most points being crowned champions.
Per CHAN regulations, only players featuring in their respective domestic leagues are eligible to compete, ensuring that the mini-tournament mirrors the competition structure of the continental showpiece. Notably, Sudan another CECAFA member qualified for CHAN declined to participate, choosing instead to focus on local league engagements.
Uganda will be making its seventh appearance at the CHAN finals and has been drawn into a competitive Group C alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. All of Uganda’s group stage matches will take place at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The Cranes’ CHAN 2024 campaign begins against Algeria on August 4, followed by Guinea on August 8, Niger on August 11, and a potentially decisive fixture against South Africa on August 18.
