Explainer: Why Harambee Stars could play CHAN matches in Uganda, Tanzania

Kenya’s Harambee Stars are firmly positioned at the top of Group A with seven points from three matches and are set to face Zambia this Sunday at Kasarani Stadium.

A victory would see them finish as group winners with 10 points, further solidifying their strong campaign in the tournament.

Currently, Angola, DR Congo and Morocco trail behind with four and three points respectively, meaning a win against Zambia would guarantee Kenya’s place at the summit.

As group winners, Harambee Stars would then face the runners-up of Group B—which includes Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and hosts Tanzania—in the quarterfinals at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, 22 August 2025.

However, should Kenya drop points against Zambia and slip to second place, particularly if Morocco or DR Congo win their remaining matches, the team would then travel to Tanzania to face the Group B winners.

With home advantage, strong form and a KSh2.5 million bonus on the line, the odds favor Harambee Stars to secure victory against Zambia and progress while remaining on home soil. This would give Kenyan fans another thrilling opportunity to rally behind their team at Kasarani.

The incentives for advancing past the quarterfinals are even more enticing, with each player promised a house and KSh. 1 million should they progress. A win in the last eight would then see Kenya travel to Uganda for a semifinal clash in Kampala on 26 August 2025.

The only way for Harambee Stars to avoid an away trip to Tanzania is by defeating Zambia and topping Group A, thereby hosting the Group B runners-up in Nairobi.

It’s important to note that Harambee Stars’ place in the tournament is not yet fully secure. A defeat against Zambia, combined with an Angola victory over DR Congo by a significant margin, could see Kenya crash out at the group stage on goal difference.

While the team currently sits comfortably at the top of Group A, they must avoid complacency in Sunday’s clash to ensure their progression to the knockout phase. A strong performance will be crucial to maintaining control of their destiny in the competition.

Kasarani Stadium is also scheduled to host the tournament’s final on Saturday, 30 August and should the Stars navigate their way to the ultimate stage, Kenyans fans will have another golden opportunity to witness their team compete for continental glory.