What a story that will be — if, or when one of the three co-hosts were to win the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 title! By the way, who else is as excited that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have all advanced to the quarter-finals stage? Rwanda did reach the last eight when it hosted the 2016 edition, losing to the DR Congo, who went on to win the tournament. This year, we could possibly even have an all-East African final, and what a story that would be. My assumption is that everyone connected to the East African block must be happy about this historic feat that has electrified the region and united millions of fans under the spirit of Pamoja. The dream of an African title remaining in East Africa for the first time is irresistible as it stands – and yes, distant as it may sound, but still a worthy dream. Why not. We haven't seen any overwhelming favorite at this tournament – at this stage, anyone can beat anyone, after all. My confidence is pretexted in the fact that there is a first time for everything, and I don't know why, and or where I get the feeling that this could be our (as an East African) time! Anyone with me? When the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the CHAN 2024 to the three co-hosts —it was seen as a bold experiment. A precedent. Today, that decision is being hailed as visionary, with all three host nations having reached the quarter-finals in a tournament already dubbed the most exciting in CHAN history. More on that at the end of the showpiece at Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi--Kenya, on August 30. Now, with a potential East African champion just three games away from lifting the title, the dream of continental dominance no longer feels like a fantasy. Instead, it stands as a realistic milestone in a region finally rising to meet its footballing potential. Maybe I am being too quick to count my chickens before they hatch — that's how optimistic I am, always. This historic feat has galvanized not just fans across Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam (plus Zanzibar City) — but millions across East Africa, I suppose — under the powerful banner of Pamoja, the Swahili word for “together.” For a region long considered a sleeping giant in African football, the simultaneous success of the hosts is as symbolic as it is tangible. Would a CHAN title stand out the symbol of readiness? Winning CHAN 2024 would carry immense symbolic and strategic weight. Firstly, it would be a perfect precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host—the first time in history that three nations will share hosting duties for Africa’s premier football competition. A title victory would show that East Africa is not just capable of organising major events, but also of excelling in them. It would provide a much-needed confidence boost to local federations, players, coaches, and fans alike. Infrastructure is being built, stadiums are being renovated, and now, the football itself seems to be catching up. After decades of being underdogs, a CHAN title would make a powerful statement. East Africa has arrived. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania look unstoppable. What's more; all three teams are under African coaches. Morley Byekwaso for Uganda, Benni McCarthy for Kenyan and Hemed Suleiman (interim) for Tanzania. This, too, is symbolic that even our very own are capable, and should be trusted, more. Visibility and respect on the big stage Until now, the CECAFA region—East and Central Africa’s football governing bloc—has often been overshadowed by powerhouses from West and North Africa. A CHAN title would elevate the region’s footballing profile instantly to levels never dreamed of, or even thought possible before. Global scouts, broadcasters, sponsors, and even fans who typically look to Nigeria, Egypt, or Senegal would be forced to turn their attention eastward. The reason why Rwanda needs to rise their game, or be left behind. Luck tends to meet the prepared, after all. The CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 should be the door-opener for players in this region. What does success in these tournaments mean for the hosts? Firstly, a rise in FIFA rankings, increased transfer activity for local players but crucially, an inevitably significant investment in domestic leagues. FERWAFA are you listening? Ug, Ken or Tz: Who could go all the way? Among the three co-hosts, Uganda—ranked 88th in the world—is statistically the most likely to reach the final. After six previous CHAN failures, their gritty performance this year shows they’ve learned from the past. That thrilling 3-3 draw against South Africa in their final group C fixture — having recovered from a 3-1 with six minutes left, is a statement that the Cranes mean business. With a quarter-final clash against holders Senegal, at a sold-out Namboole Stadium in Kampala, the Cranes have both the form and the crowd behind them. If Uganda progress, they will also be at home in the semi-finals Tanzania, with their fluid attacking play and strong tactical setup, are another strong contender. They face a tough quarter-final against Morocco in Dar es Salaam, but their current momentum and home advantage make them formidable. Kenya, meanwhile, have been the surprise package. Debutants in the tournament, the Harambee Stars stunned Group A by topping it, stunning former champions Morocco in the process. If they maintain their composure against Madagascar, a semi-final clash with Uganda could become the biggest derby East Africa has ever witnessed. An historic moment, too. Whatever happens next, one thing is certain: East Africa is guaranteed at least one semi-finalist, and a place in the final is well within reach. A CHAN victory wouldn’t just be a moment of celebration. It would be the beginning of a new narrative. A unifying triumph that proves East Africa can compete, not just participate. With AFCON 2027 around the corner, such a win would set the stage for a larger transformation—ushering in a generation of players inspired not just by potential, but by proof. Proof of success. This is no longer about hope. It’s about belief. And Pamoja, together, East Africa is finally daring to dream—and deliver. This could be our time, and hey, who can blame some of us for daring to dream.
