by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
NAIROBI – East African football legends Mrisho Ngassa of Tanzania and Victor Wanyama of Kenya have expressed confidence that the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 will leave a lasting impact on the growth of local leagues across the region.
For the first time in history, CHAN has been co-hosted by three nations – Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania – with the monthlong competition bringing football fever to East Africa. As the tournament reaches its climax, with Uganda hosting the third-place playoff today and Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani staging tomorrow’s final, the ripple effects are already being felt.
Speaking during the CHAN trophy media tour across Nairobi’s top media houses – including Citizen TV, KTN, Standard Group, and Cape Media’s TV47 and Radio47 – the two ambassadors highlighted how the tournament has reignited passion for domestic football.
“East Africa has shown its quality; all three hosts reached the quarterfinals,” said Ngassa. “The experience players gain here will strengthen our leagues. This tournament has restored pride in local football and inspired many to aim for future CHAN editions.”
Wanyama echoed the sentiment, praising the strong fan turnouts across venues. “Even matches without the Harambee Stars attracted huge numbers in Kenya,” he said. “This proves CHAN has reignited love for football regionally. Fans lifting players’ morale is what will raise our league standards.”
Both icons also praised the competitive nature of the tournament, noting its unpredictability. “Kenya and Tanzania topped their groups, but it’s Morocco and Madagascar – both runners-up – who made the final. That shows the quality and balance across teams,” Ngassa added.
With packed stadiums, rising enthusiasm, and renewed faith in local talent, CHAN 2024 may be remembered not just for crowning a champion but for sparking a new era in East African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
A month of football magic across East Africa is reaching its climax. From Tanzania’s sunlit shores to Uganda’s highlands, this year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been more than just a tournament—it’s been a journey stitched together by passion, landscapes, and resilience.
Tonight, the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala takes centre stage as Sudan and Senegal lock horns for third place. Tomorrow, the curtain will fall with Madagascar and Morocco battling for the crown. Yet to focus only on these final matches would be to overlook the winding, unforgettable journey that brought us here.
A Tournament Beyond Borders
For the first time ever, CHAN unfolded across three nations—Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda—turning football into a travelling festival. Algerian coach Madjid Bougherra captured the spirit perfectly:
> “It is good to travel because when you stay in one place too long, it can become routine.”
From heavy downpours in Nairobi to the cool breeze of Kampala, the players adapted. The tournament became a rhythm, flowing like East Africa’s great rivers—meandering but alive with energy.
The Power of Individual Brilliance
Beyond the collective battles, 36 matches produced 36 Man of the Match awards—moments of individual excellence that often tilted the balance.
Tanzania shone brightest with four awards, thanks to Feisal Salum (twice), Mudathir Yahya and Clement Mzize.
Kenya matched that tally with Alpha Chris Onyango, Byrne Omondi, Ryan Ogam, and another big performance from Onyango in the quarterfinals.
Morocco stayed consistent, with Hrimat (twice), Mehri, Lamlioui, and Belammari in the semifinal.
Madagascar’s Ramandimbisoa Toldo emerged as the standout star, earning three Man of the Match awards, powering his side’s fairytale run to the final.
Sudan, the surprise package, also collected four awards through Abdelrazig Taha Yagoub Omer (twice), Mohamed Alnour Adam Saeed and Salah Eldin Adil Ahmed Al Hassan—showing their underdog story was written by both grit and flair.
In all, players from 19 different countries were celebrated, but five nations—Tanzania, Kenya, Morocco, Madagascar, and Sudan—claimed over 30% of the honours, proving their consistent impact.
Final Showdowns Await
Tonight’s third-place playoff between Sudan and Senegal is no mere consolation battle. With Omer, Saeed, Libasse Gueye, and Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye all in the mix, sparks could fly one last time.
And then comes tomorrow—the grand finale. Morocco, unbeaten and commanding, face a Madagascar side powered by discipline, creativity, and the brilliance of Toldo. On paper, Morocco’s four awards edge Madagascar’s three. On the pitch, the margin is likely to be far slimmer.
As East Africa prepares to lower the curtain, CHAN 2024 leaves behind more than statistics. It tells a story of movement, resilience, and shared pride—a tournament that dared to be different, and delivered memories that will linger long after the final whistle.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The 8th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) reaches its penultimate stage tonight as Sudan and Senegal battle for the bronze medal inside the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala at 7:00 p.m.
Both teams arrive at this clash with different stories but a shared desire to end the tournament on a high.
For Sudan, their campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. With the domestic league suspended for over two years due to internal conflict, coach Kwesi Appiah had just three days to assemble a squad largely drawn from Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh. Against all odds, his men showed resilience and growth, finishing top of their group after a crucial draw with Senegal. Captain Fares Abdullah has been the heartbeat of the side, bringing leadership, tactical discipline, and defensive solidity.
On the other hand, Senegal came into the tournament burdened with the expectations of being defending champions. Led by Souleymane Diallo, the Lions of Teranga fielded a youthful side inspired by the 2022 title-winning squad. After a strong group stage, including a commanding win over Zambia, their journey was halted by Morocco in the semi-finals. Youngster Malick Sembene, though relatively quiet so far, remains a player capable of making the difference with his energy and versatility.
This bronze medal match is more than just a consolation. It symbolizes national pride, resilience, and the determination to finish strong. Interestingly, Sudan and Senegal will soon meet again at senior level, making tonight’s showdown a fitting prelude to a bigger clash on the horizon.
With their previous group-stage meeting ending in a tense goalless draw, tonight promises another tactical and emotional battle, as both nations fight for a podium finish in African football’s showcase for homegrown talent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian referee Rita Nkansah Boateng has earned another prestigious appointment as she takes charge of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B qualifier between AS Garde Nationale du Niger and USFA of Burkina Faso.
A respected FIFA referee, Nkansah Boateng brings a wealth of experience from the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League and several international competitions. She will lead a diverse officiating team drawn from across West Africa.
Joining her on the lines are Patricia Kyeraa of Ghana (Assistant I) and Faith Agbons of Nigeria (Assistant II), with Abigail Alaba Olufunmilayo Abigael, also from Nigeria, serving as the fourth official.
The match’s administrative backbone is equally solid, with Baptista Mariette Mahutongnon Toï from Benin acting as Match Commissioner and Fafolahan Rachel overseeing as Referee Assessor. Other key appointments include Klussey Delali Yvette of Togo (General Coordinator), Aubierge Immaculée Sènan Agabkou (Technical Study Group), and Matilda Dimedo of Ghana (Media Officer).
CAF has also assigned officials to guarantee the highest standards of safety and fairness: Tshela Christiane Gobey of Côte d’Ivoire (Security Officer), Yves Gontran Lobah of Côte d’Ivoire (Medical Officer), and Sabine Marie Isabelle Tall Zoungrana of Burkina Faso (Safeguarding Officer).
This appointment is yet another testament to CAF’s growing trust in Ghanaian referees and reflects the increasing prominence of women officials in shaping African football’s future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 29, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Despite swirling reports linking him with a permanent move away, Kobbie Mainoo has made it clear he has no intention of leaving Manchester United for good. The young midfielder’s priority remains regular game time, and he views a loan spell as the only viable path to develop while still keeping his long-term future at Old Trafford intact.
However, United are standing firm and have so far blocked any potential exit, leaving Mainoo frustrated as he pushes for opportunities to showcase his talent on a consistent basis.
