Tri-nation CHAN sees success in openers

DAR ES SALAAM: THE 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament has already proven successful, as depicted by the level of preparations from hosting countries Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Each of the trio has felt the flavour of staging such a lucrative football contest on the continent to the amusement of many football fans around the world.

Those who cast doubts over the perfect co-hosting of this tournament by the three nations are now tight-lipped as they witness probably the best CHAN tourney in history.

Massive investment pumped into upgrading the hosting stadiums is now bearing fruit as the pitches are in top standard to go along with the nature of the competition.

There is no doubt that players who are the direct beneficiaries of the pitches are simply enjoying the showdown, hence enabling the beautiful game in the world to unfold smoothly.

So far, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Moi International Sports Center in Nairobi, Kenya, and Mandela National Stadium in Uganda have shown the world the power of cooperation.

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Today, Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar is already set up to stage the first batch of two fixtures when Congo take on Sudan, whereas Nigeria welcomes defending champions Senegal from 8:00 PM.

Mind you, in a nutshell, this is a proper rehearsal for the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals to be embraced by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, which without a doubt will also be a landmark.

However, in terms of performance from the CHAN hosting trio, credit to Tanzania and Kenya for respectively winning their inaugural matches, while Uganda stumbled after a 3-0 nosedive to Algeria on Monday night.

Still, all of them have a chance not only to go deep into the tournament but also to keep it grounded in East Africa for the first time.

Whether the CHAN title remain in Tanzania, or goes to Kenya or Uganda, it will be proclaimed a PAMOJA victory for the entire bloc, so time is here for East Africans to show solidarity in ensuring that the trophy does not sneak out.