Uganda Cranes set for CECAFA mini-tournament ahead of CHAN 2024
Sudan, another CECAFA member nation that qualified for CHAN, opted out of the tournament to focus on their domestic schedule.
Uganda Cranes set for CECAFA mini-tournament ahead of CHAN 2024
By Chrispus Baluku
Journalists @New Vision
CECAFA Mini – Tournament
July 21
Kenya v Uganda 1pm
July 24
Uganda v Congo Brazzaville 1pm
July 27
Uganda v Tanzania 4pm
Uganda Cranes will participate in a four-nation mini-tournament in Arusha, Tanzania, from July 21 to 27, 2025, as part of final preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Organized by the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), the warm-up competition will feature Uganda, co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania, and invited guests Congo Brazzaville, all of whom have qualified for CHAN 2024, which kicks off on August 2.
“The primary objective of this competition is to provide our zonal teams with a valuable platform to prepare adequately ahead of the African Nations Championship,” said CECAFA Executive Director Auka John Gecheo.
Uganda will kick off their campaign on July 21 against Kenya’s Harambee Stars, then face Congo Brazzaville on July 24, before wrapping up the tournament against hosts Tanzania on July 27. The team with the highest points at the end of the three matchdays will be crowned champions.
All matches will be staged at Karatu Stadium and will feature only players from domestic leagues, in line with CHAN regulations.
Sudan, another CECAFA member nation that qualified for CHAN, opted out of the tournament to focus on their domestic schedule.
Currently, the Uganda Cranes are in camp at Prisons Grounds in Luzira under the guidance of co-head coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza. The technical team has trimmed the squad to 29 players, with key names including Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Patrick Kakande, Jude Ssemugabi, and Gavin Kizito—all expected to play prominent roles.
Uganda, making its seventh appearance at the CHAN finals, has been drawn into Group C alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. All of Uganda’s group stage matches will be played at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. The Cranes will begin their campaign against Algeria on August 4, then face Guinea on August 8, Niger on August 11, and South Africa on August 18.
The Local Organizing Committee has assured fans that match tickets for CHAN 2024 will be affordable to allow more Ugandans to support the national team.