The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, successfully co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, proved to be a pivotal event for East African football. This continental showpiece served as a crucial dress rehearsal for the region's much anticipated co-hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. Notably, CHAN 2024 marked the first instance of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) implementation in all three host nations, allowing match officials to rely on advanced technology for critical decisions. The tournament saw impressive performances from the host nations, with Kenya's Harambee Stars reaching the quarter-finals, a first for them in nearly 38 years in a continental competition. Uganda Cranes and Tanzania's Taifa Stars also defied expectations in their respective groups, though all three host teams ultimately exited at the quarter-final stage.

Beyond the on-pitch action, the organizers worked tirelessly to deliver a holistic experience, ensuring CHAN 2024 was a resounding success and a dazzling spectacle. It was the first time in years that Kenya hosted such a high-profile event, and the local organizers left no stone unturned. The magical Kenyan experience was made available to participating teams, with the Black Antelopes of Angola even enjoying a tour of the Nairobi National Park before their departure. A warm Kenyan welcome awaited all teams, with hotels organizing special receptions, including cultural dancers, to immerse them in the country’s rich heritage. The warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people were widely praised, with Zambia's Head Coach, Avram Grant, expressing his gratitude despite his team's early exit, a sentiment echoed by several other teams.

Fan engagement was a significant highlight of the tournament, with thousands of supporters turning out, especially in Kenya, where attendance figures surpassed those of its neighbours. The turnout on days when Harambee Stars played was so high that fan zones were established across the city to manage crowds and address earlier security concerns. The friendly banter between Kenyan and Tanzanian fans added a vibrant flavour to the tournament, with many having hoped for a final clash between the two rivals before their quarter-final exits. Even for the final match, where Kenya was not featured, Kasarani Stadium was packed to capacity, buzzing with enthusiastic fans, some adorned in the colours of the finalists, Morocco and Madagascar. CAF President Patrice Motsepe lauded the strong attendance, particularly noting the robust support when host nations played.

The climax of CHAN 2024 unfolded on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi, where Morocco faced Madagascar in the final showdown. High-profile dignitaries, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Madagascar’s President Andry Nirina Rajoelina, joined Kenya's President William Ruto in gracing the event. Security was exceptionally tight, with sections of Thika Road closed and emergency services like the Kenya Red Cross on standby. The closing ceremony, which began at 5:30 PM, featured performances from Tanzanian star Zuchu, Kenya’s Savara, and Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo, adding a rich cultural tapestry to the occasion.

In a thrilling five-goal encounter, two-time champions Morocco clinched their third CHAN trophy, defeating Madagascar 3-2. Oussama Lamlioui of Morocco emerged as the tournament's top scorer with six goals, proving his worth by scoring crucial goals throughout the competition, including two in the final match. Lamlioui's consistency saw him score in group stage matches against Zambia and DR Congo, and he netted the solitary goal that eliminated Tanzania in the quarter-finals. His decisive screamer from midfield in the final sent the stadium into a frenzy and sealed Morocco's victory. For their triumph, Morocco's Atlas Lions received a Sh453 million cash prize. Madagascar, as runners-up, walked away with Sh155 million, while Senegal, who finished third, received Sh90 million.

On the final day of CHAN 2024, President William Ruto hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe at State House, Nairobi. President Ruto received several significant gifts, including the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, described by Infantino as rare and special. He also received a FIFA jersey labelled number 1, symbolizing Kenya's contribution to global football, and participated in a traditional pennant exchange with both FIFA and CAF presidents, a gesture of mutual respect and sportsmanship. Infantino and Motsepe lauded Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for their successful co-hosting of CHAN 2024 and acknowledged President Ruto’s government for its commitment to football development. Motsepe specifically thanked President Ruto for his role in upgrading facilities, contributing to the tournament being hailed as the most successful in its 15-year history.

A major outcome of these high-level discussions was FIFA's commitment to support the development of a Sh600 million (USD 4.6 million) National Technical Centre in Machakos. President Ruto officially handed over the title deeds for the land earmarked for this facility, which will serve as the headquarters of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and a vital hub for national teams. The centre is planned to include one natural grass pitch, two artificial turf pitches, an administration block, and modern conference facilities, becoming a beacon of hope for future Kenyan footballers. Furthermore, existing stadia are being refurbished, and new ones, such as the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium, are under construction in readiness for AFCON 2027. Both FIFA and CAF presidents emphasized their ongoing investments in African football, including a billion-dollar plan over eight years from CAF to boost funding for federations, youth competitions, and academies, alongside FIFA's efforts to increase African representation in the World Cup.