The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of CHAN 2024 has announced a historic gesture for Ugandan football fans: free ticket entry to the third-place playoff between Sudan and Senegal, scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
In a statement delivered at a media briefing this afternoon, Dr. Dennis K. Mugimba, the LOC Chairperson for the Communication and Signage Subcommittee, revealed that the Committee has purchased all 28,000 tickets allocated for the match from CAF and would make them available to the public free of charge. This initiative, he said, is a token of appreciation to Ugandan fans for their spirited support throughout the tournament.
“This is the way the LOC, led by Maama Janet Museveni, is saying ‘thank you’ to all football fans who have made our homeland proud during this historic co-hosting of CHAN 2024. You have made the experience both memorable and successful,” Dr. Mugimba noted.
Dr. Mugimba clarified that the 28,000 tickets are the only ones available for the Friday Match Day at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
How Fans Can Access Tickets
According to the announcement, tickets will only be accessible via CAF’s official ticketing website, just as they have been for all CHAN 2024 matches. Fans are required to register their details and, instead of making payment, apply the special promo code CHAN3RD to secure up to three tickets each.
All tickets will carry the label “NOT FOR SALE” but will retain the same security features as authentic CAF match tickets. Fans have been urged to avoid third-party distributors, as no one is authorized to sell or distribute tickets outside the CAF portal.
Arrangements Announced For Those Who Already Bought Tickets?
CAF has also confirmed that a handful of fans who purchased tickets before the system was reconfigured to free distribution will be contacted directly to make arrangements for them.
More Than Football
The LOC has also promised fans a day of celebration beyond football. As Uganda wraps up its role in the three-nation co-hosting of CHAN 2024, the playoff at Namboole will feature performances from top Ugandan artistes, including Jose Chameleone, John Blaq, Elijah Kitaka, and Vinka. The entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m., an hour before kick-off, and will continue after the final whistle and CAF’s official medal ceremony.
The third-place playoff comes as the CHAN 2024 tournament enters its final stages. Tanzania hosted the opening match, Uganda is hosting the playoff, while Kenya will stage the grand finale at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
A Memorable Experience
Uganda’s free-ticket gesture underscores the nation’s pride in co-hosting the biennial tournament for the first time in history. With thousands expected to pack Namboole for the clash between Senegal and Sudan, the LOC is confident that fans will once again demonstrate the warmth and passion that has characterized Uganda’s role in the competition.
“We encourage all fans to go to the CAF website, get your free ticket, and come to Namboole tomorrow for the third-place playoff. Let us make it a memorable football and cultural experience as CHAN 2024 draws to a close in Uganda,” concluded Dr. Mugimba with an invitation
Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m. at Mandela National Stadium, with gates opening early to accommodate fans and pre-match entertainment.