Morocco arrive first for CHAN 2024 as title hunt begins in East Africa

Two-time champions Morocco have become the first team to arrive for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), signaling their strong intent ahead of the continental showpiece co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

 

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The Atlas Lions touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi at 4:00 am local time on Monday, receiving a vibrant East African welcome complete with traditional music and dancers. Their early arrival sets the tone for what promises to be an electrifying tournament and underscores their ambition of becoming the first nation to win the CHAN title three times.

“We are excited to be here and ready for CHAN. I already love Nairobi; the weather is great, and we are looking forward to a successful tournament,” said defender Marouane Louadni, who plays his club football for AS FAR.

Statement of Intent

Morocco’s early presence sends a clear message to Group A rivals, which include hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. The North African giants begin their campaign on Sunday against Angola at the Nyayo National Stadium.

With CHAN victories in 2018 (home soil) and 2021 (Cameroon), Morocco share the record for most titles with DR Congo, who they will face in the group stages. The defending champions head into the competition as one of the tournament favourites due to their continental pedigree and squad depth.

A Well-Prepared Contender

Prior to their departure, Morocco held an intensive training camp, featuring two friendly matches against Burkina Faso and a commanding 6-0 win over Chad during the recent FIFA international window. These preparations point to a team physically and tactically tuned for the challenge ahead.

Nairobi Set for a Football Festival

With the kick-off just days away, excitement is mounting across Nairobi. CAF and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have already rolled out ticketing procedures as fans gear up for one of the most significant sporting events ever hosted in Kenya.

The TotalEnergies CHAN 2024, running from 2–30 August, features players exclusively drawn from their domestic leagues, providing a golden stage for homegrown talent to shine at a continental level.

Matches will be held across various venues in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, showcasing East Africa’s growing capacity to organise elite football competitions. The tournament will also serve as a litmus test ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the region is also set to co-host.

Group A Arrivals to Follow

Following Morocco’s early touchdown, the rest of Group A’s teams are expected to arrive in Nairobi this week. Zambia are due on Tuesday, while Angola and DR Congo are scheduled to land on Thursday afternoon.

As the first team on the ground, Morocco will look to make their head start count with hopes of rewriting history by securing a third CHAN crown.