CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup set to return in 2024

The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has designated Zanzibar as the host for the 2024 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

This decision was revealed during the current CECAFA General Assembly in Mombasa. The tournament marks its return to the schedule after a hiatus since 2019.

CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

In 2019, Uganda hosted the tournament, emerging as the champions after a 3-0 victory over Eritrea. Kenya secured third place with a 2-1 win against Tanzania.

Isayas Jira, the CECAFA Vice President and Chairman of the Competitions Committee, disclosed the decision, stating that it was reached during the CECAFA Executive meeting held on February 22, 2024.

“We decided to bring back the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup due to marketing issues. Additionally, we have appointed six members to make changes for our tournaments,” Isayas explained.

Suleiman Mahmoud Jabir, President of the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF), expressed delight at the news, describing the Senior Challenge Cup as akin to a World Cup for them.

CECAFA targets

He hopes that its return will strengthen Zanzibar’s teams and improve their chances of qualifying for AFCON.

In addition to the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, Zanzibar has also been awarded the rights to host the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship CECAFA Zonal qualifiers.

Other hosting rights include Uganda for the AFCON U-17 Boys CECAFA Zonal qualifiers, Tanzania for the AFCON U-20 CECAFA Zonal qualifiers, and Ethiopia for the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers and the CECAFA U-20 Girls Championship.