The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, has commenced with a series of group stage matches across multiple venues including Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium, and locations in Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and Zanzibar. Tanzania opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso, highlighted by a header from Mohamed Hussein and a late winner by Kapombe that took Tanzania six points clear in their group. Kenya’s Harambee Stars secured a narrow 1-0 win against Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) at Kasarani Stadium, with midfielder Austine Odhiambo scoring the decisive goal and being named man of the match. Following this victory, Kenyan President William Ruto fulfilled his promise by awarding each of the 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 technical staff members a cash prize of 1 million Kenyan shillings (approximately $7,500), totaling Sh42 million. The prize money is part of a broader Sh70 million budget allocated by Kenya’s Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi for rewarding record-breaking performances, with plans to provide wealth management counseling to the players. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu also offered a Tsh1 billion prize if the Taifa Stars win the tournament. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni responded by pledging Ush1.2 billion per win to the Ugandan squad. Algeria dominated their Group C opener, defeating host Uganda 3-0 with goals from Ghezala, Meziane, and Bayazid, the latter scoring the tournament’s Goal of the Day. Morocco won their Group A opener 2-0 against Angola, with Imad Riahi scoring and a own goal by Balanga contributing to the victory. Guinea edged Niger 1-0, with Alhassane Bangoura named man of the match. Senegal secured a 1-0 win over Nigeria, with Christian Gomis scoring the only goal and earning man of the match honors. Burkina Faso defeated Central African Republic 4-2 in a high-scoring Group B match. Security concerns arose during the Kenya vs DR Congo match, leading to a Ksh 2.5 million fine imposed on Kenya Football Federation for breaches including fans breaking barriers and overpowering stewards. The Kenyan Interior Ministry issued advisories urging fans to maintain discipline. Tickets for Kenya’s matches against Angola and Morocco have sold out amid high demand, with fans also purchasing Harambee Stars jerseys in large numbers. The tournament continues with upcoming matches featuring teams such as Angola, Zambia, Sudan, South Africa, and others, with ongoing efforts to ensure security and smooth operations at venues.