Free entry to CHAN 2024 third-place playoff as Ugandan Government buys all tickets

The Mandela National Stadium, Namboole which will host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) third-place playoff. (Photo: Uganda Cranes)

By Erick Kariuki
Thursday, August 28, 2025

All tickets are branded NOT FOR SALE but retain the full security features of official CHAN tickets.

The Government of Uganda has announced that fans will enjoy free entry to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) third-place playoff after the Local Organising Committee (LOC), led by First Lady Mama Janet Museveni, purchased all available tickets.

The decision was revealed on Thursday, August 28, in a press release held by the LOC Communications and Signage Sub-Committee.

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The playoff match, which will see Sudan take on Senegal, is scheduled for Friday evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, with kick-off set for 6:00 pm.

In a statement, the LOC said the move was a gesture of appreciation to Ugandans for their passionate support throughout the country’s first-ever co-hosting of CHAN. “This is the way the LOC led by Maama Janet Museveni is saying, ‘Thank you to all football fans that have made our homeland proud during this historic experience of hosting CHAN-2024 for the very first time. You have made the experience both memorable and a successful one at that,” the statement read.

The announcement means that up to 28,000 match-day tickets have been purchased from CAF by the LOC. All tickets are branded NOT FOR SALE but retain the full security features of official CHAN tickets.

Fans can access them exclusively through CAF’s online ticketing portal by filling in their details and entering the promo code CHAN3RD at checkout instead of making payment. Each person will be limited to a maximum of three tickets.

Dr Dennis K. Mugimba, Chairperson of the LOC Communications and Signage Sub-Committee, clarified that fewer than 20 fans had already purchased tickets before the portal was reconfigured, and CAF would reach out to those buyers individually to make arrangements.

He emphasised that no individual or third party is authorised to distribute the tickets outside the CAF system and that only holders of genuine, unduplicated tickets marked NOT FOR SALE would be admitted into the stadium.

The announcement follows concerns over low turnout at earlier matches in Uganda, including the Morocco vs Senegal semifinal, where the stadium was noticeably empty.

By lifting the cost burden, the Ugandan government hopes to boost attendance and ensure a lively atmosphere for the final match hosted in the country.

As part of the celebrations, the LOC has also lined up a concert featuring top Ugandan artists, including Jose Chameleone, John Blaq, Elijah Kitaka, and Vinka. The entertainment will kick off an hour before the match and continue after the final whistle and official medal ceremony.

Fans are encouraged to secure their complimentary tickets online, head to Namboole in large numbers, and enjoy both football and music as the continental tournament edges towards its conclusion.