OFFICIAL: CAF announces dates & location for next CHAN

CAF has now confirmed the dates for the next African Nations Championship, set to take place in east Africa.

The governing body for football on the continent has confirmed that the next instalment of the competition will take place from 1 to 28 February 2025. 

Read: 'Thank God Tau did not leave Al Ahly' 

CAF confirmed in a statement that the qualifiers are scheduled to begin next month, with the first round being played on 25-27 October.

It was also confirmed that the tournament would be played in in east Africa, although the federation also stated that it would communicate the stadiums and other venues that will be used for the competition in due course. 

"On Sunday, CAF President Dr Motsepe visited some of the venues in Kenya that are being prepared for CHAN," the statement read. 

"While noting the progress made and the commitment of the Government of Kenya, Dr Motsepe said there was a need for everyone to work together with speed to ensure that all venues and facilities are ready for the Competition." 

The tournament's participating nations must only consist of players who play their club football in their own national league competitions.

CHAN represents an integral part of developing football on the continent as it has always had the aim of giving locally-based players the opportunity to represent their national sides and promote their domestic leagues on a larger scale.

Read: AFCON finalist: I had offers from South Africa 

The previous edition of the competition took place in Algiers in 2022, and was won by Senegal, who defeated hosts Algeria in a penalty shootout in the final to become champions.