The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 has turned out to be just as much about the fans as it is about the game. Stadiums in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala have been packed, and fan zones across East Africa have become lively spots showcasing the region’s renewed enthusiasm for local and continental football.
For four weeks, this competition has been a big celebration of community, spirit, and identity in East Africa. From the roaring crowds in the stadiums to the lively fan zones, there’s been a level of enthusiasm for football that hasn’t been seen in a long time. Even though Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the co-hosts, all went out in the quarter-finals, their fans kept showing up in droves to watch on huge screens set up in cities, towns, and beach areas, turning public spaces into mini-stadiums buzzing with excitement.
Fans watching CHAN at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi Kenya
In places like Nairobi’s busy city center and along the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria in Homabay, these fan zones have become cultural hotspots. Thirteen zones were launched just in Nairobi, drawing in families, students, and workers who gathered after work to enjoy the games.
One fan at the popular Kenya National Archives zone said, “This is way better than watching alone at home. The energy here is amazing. You really feel like part of something big.” Nicholas Musonye, the chairman of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 Local Organising Committee, praised the whole idea: “This was a great way to make sure all Kenyans felt involved. It’s been a huge hit, and those who couldn’t get tickets now share the same passion as the folks in the stadium.”
The excitement didn’t stop in Kenya. Fan parks in Dar es Salaam and Kampala saw huge crowds coming together to support their teams, the Taifa Stars and Cranes. With music, dance, and food stalls, these gatherings felt more like festivals, making CHAN 2024 a blend of sports and culture.
Passionate fans at Nairobi Kenya
Even though the co-host teams didn’t make it past the quarter-finals, they made history by reaching that stage together for the first time in any CAF competition. Kenya, making their CHAN debut, topped their group, beating two-time champions Morocco and Zambia. Sadly, their exciting ride ended when they lost to Madagascar in a penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw at the Moi International Sports Centre.
Tanzania also made it to their first-ever CHAN quarter-final, kicking off their journey with an unbeaten group stage. However, their hopes were dashed when they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Morocco in Dar es Salaam. Uganda had their best CHAN campaign ever, finishing first in their group ahead of Algeria and South Africa. They gave defending champions Senegal a tough match in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 35,000 at the Mandela National Stadium but fell short after conceding a goal in the second half.
Despite not making it to the semi-finals, the co-hosts showed off their footballing growth and created an electric atmosphere that will be remembered as a milestone for East African football. The real magic of CHAN 2024 may just be how it connected people beyond the stadiums. Fan zones from Mombasa to Kisumu became places where strangers came together, celebrating with chants, drums, and vuvuzelas.
Fans watching the CHAN2024 in Homabay Kenya
Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga summed it up well, saying that many locals couldn’t make it to Nairobi to watch the matches, so they wanted to bring the action to them. “The vibe here is so lively, and everyone is supporting the team like they’re sitting right in the stadium,” she added.
Even with their teams out of the running, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have made a mark, proving that East Africa is ready to embrace football in a big way. As the semi-finals approach, featuring Morocco, Senegal, Sudan, and Madagascar, the fan parks are still buzzing—showing that CHAN PAMOJA 2024 has already scored a major win by sparking fresh excitement for football in East Africa.
