NAIROBI, June 21, 2025 – Kenya has been stripped of its hosting rights for Group D matches of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) due to a failure to provide adequate training facilities, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Thursday. The decision, a significant blow to Kenya’s football ambitions, sees Group D matches relocated to Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium, marking another setback for the country’s preparations for the tournament, now rescheduled for August 2-30, 2025.
The 2024 CHAN, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is the first time three nations will jointly stage the biennial tournament for domestic-based players. Originally set for February 2025, the event was postponed to August due to delays in infrastructure readiness, particularly in Kenya, where officials described preparations as “miles behind.” Despite assurances from Kenya’s local organizing committee, CAF inspectors found that only four of the promised six training grounds—Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kenya Police Sacco grounds, and two pitches at Kasarani—were ready or near completion.
CAF’s decision to move Group D, comprising Senegal, Sudan, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, to Zanzibar underscores ongoing concerns about Kenya’s ability to meet international standards. The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will still host the tournament’s final on August 30, while Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will stage the opening match, and Uganda’s Mandela Stadium in Kampala will host the third-place playoff.
Kenya’s Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani Stadium, designated as the country’s primary venues, have faced scrutiny for incomplete upgrades, including issues with perimeter walls, connectivity, and power systems. Mike Rabar, chief executive of Kenya’s local organizing committee, had previously claimed the venues were “90% ready” but admitted to BBC Sport Africa that minor infrastructural setbacks, particularly at Nyayo, remained unresolved. CAF’s high standards, coupled with Kenya’s history of losing hosting rights—such as the 2018 CHAN due to inadequate preparations—have fueled criticism of the country’s “casual approach” to meeting deadlines.
Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed dismissed claims of unpreparedness as “baseless,” arguing the six-month postponement provided ample time to “improve on perfection.” However, CAF’s relocation of Group D matches suggests otherwise, raising concerns about Kenya’s readiness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which it will also co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
The loss of Group D hosting rights is a reputational and economic setback for Kenya, which anticipated a tourism and economic boost from the tournament. Local fans and players, including Kenya Police midfielder Kenneth Muguna, had seen CHAN as a chance to showcase homegrown talent on a continental stage. With Kenya now hosting only Group A matches (featuring Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia) at Kasarani and Nyayo, the pressure is on to ensure remaining venues meet CAF’s requirements by July.
CAF has yet to announce further details on match schedules and ticketing but emphasized its commitment to delivering a successful tournament. As Kenya races to finalize preparations, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the logistical and infrastructural challenges facing the East African nation ahead of its 2027 AFCON hosting duties.
