Two-time champions Morocco have officially become the first team to arrive for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), signaling their serious intent to capture a third title and cement their legacy in the tournament’s history.
The Atlas Lions touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi at 4:00 am local time on Monday, receiving a vibrant and culturally rich East African welcome. Traditional dancers and musicians celebrated the North African team’s arrival, giving a festive start to what promises to be a thrilling CHAN 2024.
Morocco, who won the tournament in 2018 on home soil and again in 2021 in Cameroon, are aiming to become the first nation to win the CHAN title three times. Their early arrival allows the squad to settle in and fine-tune preparations ahead of their Group A opener against Angola, scheduled for Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
“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 for AS FAR in Morocco’s top flight.
Morocco’s early presence underlines their status as one of the tournament favorites. Group A features strong opposition, including hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. The group promises fierce competition, but the Atlas Lions’ pedigree, preparation, and experience could give them the edge.
Historically, only Morocco and DR Congo have won the CHAN tournament twice. Their group-stage meeting is already one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament. With both sides aiming for a historic third title, fans can expect a high-stakes encounter when they clash.
The arrival of Morocco has heightened excitement in Nairobi, where preparations are in full swing for the kickoff of CHAN 2024 on August 2. The tournament, which runs through August 30, is exclusively for players who compete in their domestic leagues, making it a platform for homegrown talent to shine at the continental level.
Organizers, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), have finalized ticketing protocols, and interest continues to build across Kenya’s capital and beyond. This tournament also serves as a critical opportunity for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who are jointly hosting CHAN 2024, to showcase their readiness ahead of co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Morocco’s early arrival could be a strategic advantage, offering the team more time to acclimate, adjust to conditions, and engage in tactical drills. Other teams in Group A are expected to follow soon, with Zambia scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, and Angola and DR Congo expected on Thursday afternoon.
As the first team on the ground and the most successful in recent CHAN history, Morocco are looking to convert their early momentum into a record-breaking third championship, setting the stage for a spectacular edition of the African Nations Championship.
