The 8th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), officially branded as TotalEnergies CAF CHAN PAMOJA 2024, is nearing its thrilling conclusion, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda under the historic PAMOJA partnership. Running from August 2 to August 30, 2025, this unique tournament exclusively features players active in the domestic leagues of their home countries. Nineteen national teams are participating, with Group C matches—featuring Algeria, Guinea, Niger, South Africa, and host nation Uganda—being held entirely in Uganda.

Uganda's preparations have reached their final stretch, with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) releasing ticketing arrangements for matches at the newly renovated Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. The stadium is set to host a total of 12 matches, including nine group-stage games, one quarterfinal, one semifinal, and the third-place playoff. Uganda's inaugural match day will be Monday, August 4, 2025, kicking off with Niger (The Menas) against Guinea (The National Elephants) at 5:00 p.m., followed by Uganda’s national team, The Cranes, taking on Algeria (The Greens) at 8:00 p.m. While this double-header marks Uganda’s hosting debut, the overall tournament officially commenced two days earlier in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

For the highly anticipated match against Algeria on August 4th, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has officially released a 25-man squad for The Cranes. FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein expressed confidence in the team's readiness and potential, stating, “We are confident that the selected players will raise the Ugandan flag high.” The squad, which includes a mix of seasoned performers and new talent, is captained by standout midfielder Allan Okello, who affirmed the team's determination to fight for the country. The squad features goalkeepers Denis Kigundu, Joel Mutakubwa, Chrispas Kusiima; defenders Arnold Odong, Nicholas Mwere, Gideon Odongo, Herbart Achai, Hilary Panuel Mukundane, Emmanuel Anyama, Shafiq Nana Kwikiriza; midfielders Joseph Youngman Marvin, Jude Ssemugebi, Elvis Ngonde, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Patrick Jonah Katende, Arafat Kiza Usama, Reagan Mpande, Lazaro Muhindo, Kizito Mugweri Gavin; and forwards Junus Junior Sentamu, Rogers Ochaki Torach, Joel Serenjogi, Abdu Karim Watabala, Allan Okello. This fixture is a significant test for The Cranes against a physically and tactically disciplined Algerian side, marking a symbolic return to the refurbished Namboole Stadium for many fans.

All ticketing for the tournament is fully digital, accessible via the official CAF ticketing site (www.cafonline.com) or a QR code. Fans can select their host country and book tickets, with a single ticket granting access to all games scheduled on a given match day, though re-entry is not permitted. Ticket prices are affordable, structured into three categories: UGX 10,000 for Ordinary, UGX 30,000 for Silver, and UGX 50,000 for Premium, with a limit of five tickets per transaction. Seating at Namboole is allocated by category, with Ordinary ticket holders in sections behind the goalposts, Silver in Section 5 on the eastern side, and Premium in sections 12 and 14 adjacent to the VVIP area. The online platform provides a digital stadium map, allows section selection, and holds seats for ten minutes during purchase. Payments can be completed via MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, or Visa/Mastercard, with tickets delivered via SMS or email. The LOC has emphasized that this digital approach enhances security, efficiency, and convenience, supported by a UGX 1 billion promotional campaign across various media and grassroots efforts, aiming to make CHAN 2024 a memorable experience for every football-loving Ugandan.

Across East Africa, excitement has been building for the tournament. In Kenya, the CHAN 2024 trophy made a high-profile appearance at the Standard Group headquarters ahead of the final. Escorted by Kenyan football legend Victor Wanyama, a tournament ambassador, and Tanzania's Mrisho Ngasa, the trophy was received by Group CEO Chaacha Mwita, who highlighted Standard Group’s role as the