FUFA President Moses Magogo Visits Uganda Cranes Camp Ahead of CHAN 2024 as East Africa Prepares to Host Historic Tournament
Magogo, also a Member of Parliament for Budiope East, took time to engage with the team following their training session. He addressed the players and technical staff, delivering an inspiring message meant to galvanize them ahead of their crucial group stage opener against Algeria on Monday, August 4th at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. “This is a moment of pride not just for the players but for the entire country. Hosting CHAN is a milestone, and playing at home comes with both opportunity and responsibility. We trust you to make Ugandans proud,” Magogo told the players.
As excitement builds around the long-awaited return of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim made a timely visit to the Uganda Cranes training camp at FUFA Stadium Kadiba in Kampala on Friday, August 1st. His presence was a major morale boost for the players, who are set to represent Uganda in Group C of the tournament, which officially kicks off on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Magogo, also a Member of Parliament for Budiope East, took time to engage with the team following their training session. He addressed the players and technical staff, delivering an inspiring message meant to galvanize them ahead of their crucial group stage opener against Algeria on Monday, August 4th at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
“This is a moment of pride not just for the players but for the entire country. Hosting CHAN is a milestone, and playing at home comes with both opportunity and responsibility. We trust you to make Ugandans proud,” Magogo told the players.
Uganda’s Group C Challenge: Tough, but Not Impossible
Uganda has been drawn in Group C alongside continental heavyweights Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger. The group, which will be played out entirely in Kampala, promises fierce competition and quality football.
Uganda, as hosts, enjoy the advantage of home support and are looking to leverage that energy to push beyond the group stages.
Algeria, one of the tournament favourites, boasts of a physically dominant and tactically astute squad drawn from their strong domestic league.
South Africa brings a technically adept and youthful team made up of standout players from the DStv Premiership, hungry for continental glory.
Guinea is renowned for its flair and talent, but consistency has often been their Achilles’ heel.
Niger, though not among the favourites, is tactically disciplined and could spring surprises with their low-block, counter-attacking style.
Uganda will open its campaign against Algeria in a mouth-watering clash on Monday night at 20h00 local time. Prior to that, Group C action kicks off with Niger taking on Guinea at 17h00, setting the stage for an intense battle for quarter-final spots.
CHAN 2024: A Continental Stage Set in East Africa
This year’s CHAN marks a historic moment as Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania co-host the continental tournament — the first time in history that the competition will be shared across three countries. This is not only a milestone for CHAN but also a critical rehearsal for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which will be jointly hosted by the same East African trio under the Pamoja initiative.
CHAN 2024 also returns to the East African region nearly a decade after Rwanda’s successful 2016 edition. Now, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are ready to raise the bar.
A total of 19 teams will compete for the CHAN crown, reserved for players who compete in their respective domestic leagues. It’s a celebration of local talent and a platform that has historically propelled players to international recognition.
Group Breakdown: Who to Watch
Group A (Kenya - Nairobi)
Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Angola, and hosts Kenya battle it out in the "Group of Death". Kenya opens their campaign on Sunday, August 3 against DR Congo at Moi International Sports Centre.
Group B (Tanzania - Dar es Salaam)
Hosts Tanzania, alongside Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Mauritania, and debutants Central African Republic. The opener of the tournament features Tanzania vs. Burkina Faso on Saturday night at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Group D
Defending champions Senegal, Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan form the only four-team group, where each match is a decider.
Aug 2: Tanzania vs. Burkina Faso, Dar es Salaam, 20h00 EAT
Aug 3: Kenya vs. DR Congo, Nairobi, 15h00 EAT
Aug 3: Morocco vs. Angola, Nairobi, 18h00 EAT
Aug 4: Niger vs. Guinea, Kampala, 17h00 EAT
Aug 4: Uganda vs. Algeria, Kampala, 20h00 EAT
The month-long tournament runs until August 30, 2025, when the grand finale will be played at the iconic Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi. The third-place playoff will take place a day earlier on August 29 in Kampala.
The Uganda Cranes have historically shown potential in CHAN tournaments but have struggled to go deep into the knockout rounds. However, with home advantage, a matured squad, and growing investment in domestic football, expectations are higher than ever.
FUFA’s leadership, demonstrated through visits like that of President Magogo, underscores the federation’s commitment to supporting the team. With renewed energy and national pride at stake, the Cranes are determined to make this edition of CHAN their most successful ever.
As Magogo aptly said, “Let us carry the Ugandan flag with pride. CHAN is ours to show Africa what we’re made of.”
Ugandans will be watching — and hoping.
