About 800 special guests to attend 2024 Chan final in Dar

Dar es Salaam. About 800 special guests are expected to attend the grand opening of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on August 2 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

This was revealed by Neema Msitha, Secretary General of the National Sports Council (NSC), during an exclusive interview with The Citizen.

Msitha noted that the guest list includes prominent local and international dignitaries, signaling the high level of importance the Chan tournament holds not just for Tanzania, but for the entire East African region.

The much-anticipated opening match will see the hosts, Taifa Stars, take on Burkina Faso in a thrilling evening encounter scheduled for 8pm, with Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa gracing the event as the guest of honour.

But the celebration will not be confined to football alone. Adding sparkle to the night will be a live performance by Bongo Fleva sensation, Rayvanny, who is set to energize the crowd with his chart-topping hits just before the match begins. His appearance is part of a broader entertainment package designed to infuse local flavor and excitement into the football showcase.

Ministers and CAF officials among the invitees

According to Msitha, the government has extended invitations to key figures across East Africa, including the Ministers of Sports from Kenya and Uganda, to attend the grand ceremony. Their attendance will reinforce regional unity and spotlight Tanzania’s rising profile as a capable host of major international events. “In addition to the teams, we’ve invited senior officials from Kenya and Uganda to attend the opening.

We also have representatives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) already in the country, overseeing final preparations and logistics for the launch,” said Msitha.

This year’s Chan will not only unfold in Dar es Salaam but will also see matches hosted at the new Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar.

She revealed that officials from Group B and Group D teams, whose matches will be held in Zanzibar, are also among the special guests arriving in the country.

“There will also be football scouts, match agents, and representatives of global football bodies who will be in attendance both in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, highlighting the international scale of this tournament,” she added.

Tight security

Msitha said that security arrangements are fully in place, assuring fans and stakeholders of their safety throughout the tournament.

“We have ensured tight security before, during, and after the matches – not just for the opening game, but for all matches right through to the final on August 28,” she said.

She added that final checks and rehearsals are underway, and all logistical elements—from stadium setup and hospitality to accommodation and transportation for teams and guests—are complete. “We are proud to say that preparations for the grand opening are 100 percent complete,” she assured.

Hosting the 2024 Chan is a milestone moment for Tanzanian football. It marks the country’s increasing ability to organize top-level tournaments, strengthening its reputation within African football circles. The event will also serve as a significant platform for local talents to shine on home soil in front of a diverse and influential audience.

 Chan is a unique tournament under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) umbrella, featuring national teams composed exclusively of players competing in their respective domestic leagues.

This year's edition is expected to attract global attention, especially as it will be played in state-of-the-art facilities such as the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and Zanzibar’s Amaan Complex, which recently underwent major renovations.

Final Word

With less than a week remaining before the curtain rises on CHAN 2024, all eyes are now on Tanzania.

From the glitz of the opening ceremony headlined by Rayvanny to the anticipated football drama on the pitch, the tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans across Africa and beyond.

Msitha also called on all Tanzanians to show their support by coming out in numbers. Let’s give Africa a taste of our passion, culture, and hospitality as we welcome the continent to our home.”