African Nations Championship
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a biennial football tournament organized by CAF, featuring exclusively players from African clubs. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, it spotlights domestic-based talents, excluding those with European league experience, and serves as a vital showcase for the continent's emerging stars grinding it out in local leagues daily.
History and foundation
Launched in 2009 in Côte d'Ivoire, where hosts triumphed over Algeria in the final, CHAN has crowned eight winners: Morocco (three times: 2018, 2020, 2022), Algeria (2011 home, 2023), Tunisia, and Libya. A standout story is Libya's 2011 away victory amid civil unrest. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed editions, but the event has grown, now drawing up to 18 teams with rising global appeal.
Tournament format
Qualification occurs via CAF zonal tournaments, leading to a 16-team finals. Four groups feed the top two into quarterfinals, followed by single-elimination knockout rounds with extra time and penalties if tied. Hosts earn automatic qualification, fueling intense home support.
Interesting facts
Matches average 1.9 goals, favoring defensive battles and sharp counters. Sudan's Ahmed Khalid leads scorers with 9 goals. Standouts include Tunisia's Walid El Kefi for dribbling flair, Morocco's Walid El Karti, and Algeria's Amine Hamouda. Many, like Abderrazak Hamdallah—who shone in CHAN before Ligue 1 success—launch careers from here.