Morocco first to land in Kenya as TotalEnergies CHAN Pamoja 2024 excitement builds

The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 is rapidly approaching, with the official kick-off set for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Building significant momentum well ahead of schedule, two-time champions Morocco have already made their presence felt, becoming the first participating nation to land in Nairobi, Kenya, as excitement builds towards the pre-tournament activities and the eventual grand opening.

Morocco’s early arrival is not merely a logistical milestone; it’s a statement from a team steeped in CHAN history. Known as the Atlas Lions, they boast an impressive record, being one of only two nations to have lifted the coveted trophy twice. Their consecutive triumphs in 2018 on home soil and in 2021 in Cameroon underscore their dominance and ambition in this competition. They share this elite status with DR Congo, a nation they are set to confront in the upcoming group stage.

The Atlas Lions find themselves in a formidable Group A, promising thrilling encounters for Kenyan fans. They are pitted against hosts Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and their fellow two-time champions, DR Congo. Their challenging campaign is set to begin next Sunday at the iconic Nyayo National Stadium, where they will face Angola.

The anticipation in Nairobi is set to intensify further with the imminent arrival of the remaining Group A contenders. Zambia is expected on Tuesday, while DR Congo and Angola are slated to touch down on Thursday afternoon. These teams join a grand total of sixteen participating national teams, who will converge across the three co-host nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, for the TotalEnergies CHAN PAMOJA 2024. The ‘PAMOJA’ (Swahili for ‘together’) theme underscores the spirit of unity and collaboration central to this East African hosted event.

Behind the scenes, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been working tirelessly alongside the respective Local Organising Committees (LOCs) of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Their collective efforts ensure a seamless and efficient welcome for all teams, covering essential aspects like final registration, intricate logistic arrangements, and crucial match-readiness briefings.

With Morocco leading the vanguard, the stage is rapidly being set for an unforgettable tournament that promises to showcase the best of African football talent playing on home soil. The countdown to TotalEnergies CHAN PAMOJA 2024 has truly begun.