Kampala, Uganda – August 3, 2025 – Ugandan football fans are buzzing with excitement as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 officially kicks off at the iconic Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda is proudly co-hosting CHAN 2024 alongside Tanzania and Kenya, marking the first time in history the country is hosting a continental football tournament of this magnitude. This is a major milestone for Ugandan football and a golden opportunity for the Uganda Cranes to make their mark.
The highlight of the tournament’s opening round for Uganda will be the eagerly awaited match between the Uganda Cranes and Algeria on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 8PM. This Group C clash will be played at the newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium, which now features VAR technology and electronic LED boards, making it the first stadium in Uganda to meet such international standards.
Before the Uganda vs Algeria match, Guinea and Niger will open Group C action at 5PM, also at Namboole.
Uganda’s football cathedral, Namboole Stadium, has undergone a major facelift ahead of CHAN 2024. The stadium now includes state-of-the-art VAR, improved seating, and LED perimeter boards, all aligning with CAF and FIFA standards. These upgrades not only enhance the matchday experience but also position Uganda as a serious contender for future major tournaments, including AFCON 2027, for which Uganda is a co-bidder.
The Uganda Cranes are making their seventh appearance at CHAN, equaling DR Congo in number of participations. However, they have never progressed beyond the group stage. With home advantage and passionate fans expected to fill the stadium, this could be the year they rewrite history.
Uganda’s Group C opponents include Algeria, Guinea, South Africa, and Niger—all formidable teams. But with the Cranes playing on home turf and boosted by fan support, optimism is high.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made sure tickets remain affordable, pricing each matchday at just UGX 10,000 for two games. This is a call to action for fans to show up in numbers and support local talent from the Uganda Premier League (UPL) who make up the CHAN squad.
This is also a chance for fans of clubs like SC Villa, KCCA FC, Vipers SC, BUL FC, and others to support their players representing the nation.
Group C Fixtures at Namboole Stadium
Monday, August 4
- Guinea vs Niger – 5PM
- Uganda vs Algeria – 8PM
Friday, August 8
- Algeria vs South Africa – 5PM
- Guinea vs Uganda – 8PM
Monday, August 11
- South Africa vs Guinea – 5PM
- Uganda vs Niger – 8PM
Friday, August 15
- Guinea vs Algeria – 5PM
- Niger vs South Africa – 8PM
Monday, August 18
- Uganda vs South Africa – 8PM
This is more than just football. It’s a unifying force for Uganda and an opportunity to showcase our capacity to host world-class events. Let’s fill Namboole, wave the flags, wear the jerseys, and support the Uganda Cranes with full energy.
If Uganda gets it right, this could be the beginning of a powerful legacy leading up to AFCON 2027.
