CAF TSG applauds technical growth at CHAN 2024
By Joel Masibo, August 21, 2025The Confederation of African Football’s Technical Study Group (TSG) has praised the ninth edition of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), dubbed PAMOJA 2024, which is being staged in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Comparing the 2024 CHAN edition to other years, the TSG has described it as one of the most technically advanced tournaments in the recent past.
Speaking on a local TV station on Tuesday, August 20, 2025, TSG members Abraham Mebratu, the former Ethiopian national team coach, and ex-South African international Mark Fish shared their analysis of the group stages, discussing tactics, player performances, and coaching strategies that are shaping the event.
Tactical evolution
Fish pointed out a clear change in the way teams set up compared to previous editions. “We are seeing a shift from the last CHAN where teams have been more proactive. Teams are now more attack-minded, with dynamic formations, and even defenders stepping up to act almost like midfielders,” Fish said.
So far, the tournament has seen 74 goals from 36 games, an average of two per match. Among the most memorable results were Burkina Faso’s 4-2 win over the Central African Republic and Sudan’s emphatic 4-0 victory against Nigeria.
Fish went on to commend the growing adaptability of players.
“Players have become more versatile, teams are scoring more, and I think that’s the way forward. It’s exciting to see the direction our football is taking,” he said.
Mebratu echoed this, noting how teams have improved in transitions and attacking flexibility.
“Teams are switching really well between attack and defence, playing at a high tempo. There is a huge improvement, especially in terms of attack,” he observed.
Youthful talent on display
Another standout feature has been the trust coaches have shown in young players, with some as young as 17 making significant contributions. According to Fish, this new crop combines tactical discipline with individual brilliance, while Mebratu credited coaches for their bold approach in nurturing youth.
The three East African hosts, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, all progressed to the quarter-finals. Kenya and Tanzania topped their groups, while Uganda advanced after a thrilling 3-3 draw against South Africa.
Fish was particularly impressed, saying:
“I have seen better coaching, more disciplined players, and teams adapting really well to tactical instructions. I’ve been very impressed by the three host nations.”
Kenya will now meet Madagascar, Tanzania face Morocco, and Uganda take on defending champions Senegal in the last eight.
On his part, Mebratu also highlighted the technical and physical improvement of East African sides, including Sudan.
“The players are physically fit and play with very good technical and tactical ability. Their organisation both in and out of possession has been really impressive,” he added.
With the group phase complete, the TSG expects the knockout rounds to deliver even higher levels of tactical battles and thrilling football as the race for the CHAN 2024 title intensifies.