Inside CHAN: Africa's homegrown football showcase

Harambee Stars players during atraining session on July 29, 2025. 

The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF),  aimed at spotlighting and nurturing local talent.

Unlike the more widely known Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN is reserved exclusively for players who are active in their home country’s domestic leagues. This means professional African players playing abroad are not eligible to participate.

Launched in 2007, CHAN was designed as a platform to promote homegrown footballers who often go unnoticed in favor of foreign-based stars.

The tournament aims to strengthen local leagues, provide  international exposure to domestic players, and boost the competitiveness of African football at the grassroots level.

For many players, CHAN is a launching pad to national team selection or club contracts beyond their borders.

In 2007 CAF officially announces the creation of CHAN, recognizing the need to elevate local talent. Two years later, the inaugural tournament takes place in Ivory Coast, featuring 8 teams. DR Congo wins the first CHAN title.

It was in 2011 during the second edition when Sudan played host with 16 teams participating. Tunisia emerges as the new champion.

In 2014 we saw a dramatic twist as Libya, despite political turmoil and limited preparation, stuns the continent to win the title in South Africa and in 2016, DR Congo becomes the first team to win CHAN twice, lifting the trophy in Rwanda.

In 2018, Morocco hosted and lifted the trophy in 2018 as its first CHAN title on home soil, signaling a shift in power defending it in 2020 (held in 2021): Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the tournament was delayed but successfully held in Cameroon. Morocco become the first country to win CHAN back-to-back.

Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi one of the stadium that will co-host CHAN championship

As CHAN has grown in popularity and competitiveness, it has become a crucial scouting ground for clubs, coaches, and national team selectors. Many stars of African football who once played in CHAN have gone on to become key players in AFCON and even in top European leagues.

With every edition, CHAN deepens its role as a celebration of African football’s raw talent. It brings attention not just to players but to domestic clubs and local football cultures.

Tthis years CHAN 2024 championship marks Kenya's history by hosting an international football tournament for the first.