Once a Vision, Now a Legacy: The CHAN Story

From a visionary meeting in September 2007 to a continental celebration of local football talent, the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has blossomed into one of CAF’s most inspiring tournaments. What began as a simple idea — to give home-based players the spotlight and grow domestic leagues — has now become a cornerstone of African football development.

The inaugural edition came to life in 2009, with Côte d’Ivoire as proud hosts and only eight nations participating. DR Congo etched their name into the history books by lifting the maiden trophy. But that was just the beginning.

As interest surged, the second edition in Sudan saw the number of teams double to 16, and Tunisia emerged victorious. Over the years, CHAN evolved, showcasing the pulse of local football from Libya’s fairy tale win in 2014 to DR Congo’s second triumph in 2016.

Then came Morocco’s golden era — winning in 2018 on home soil and defending the title in Cameroon in 2020. In 2022, Senegal added their name to the roll of champions, continuing the story of underdogs and national pride.

Now, in its eighth edition, CHAN 2025 is rewriting history again. For the first time ever, the tournament is being co-hosted — by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — uniting East Africa under one footballing banner. The number of teams has grown to 19, divided into four groups (three with five teams and one with four), adding new intensity to the competition.

Despite the expansion, the tournament’s heartbeat remains the same — a celebration of homegrown heroes, the roar of passionate local fans, and a platform for future African stars. From humble beginnings to continental prominence, CHAN continues to rise, reminding us all that greatness doesn’t always wear a foreign badge — sometimes, it starts right at home.