The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, commonly known as CHAN, is a biennial football tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
What makes CHAN unique is that it is exclusively for national teams composed of players who play in their home country's domestic leagues.
This means players based at clubs abroad, regardless of their nationality, are not eligible to participate.
The tournament was founded in 2007 to promote and strengthen domestic leagues, and to give homegrown talent a platform to shine on a continental stage.
The inaugural tournament took place in 2009 in Ivory Coast with eight teams competing.
Since then, the competition has grown in size and stature. The 2011 edition expanded to 16 teams, and the current 2025 edition features a record 19 teams.
Over the years, CHAN has been a springboard for many players who have gone on to successful careers both in Africa and in top European leagues.
The tournament has seen five different nations lift the trophy, with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco the most successful, each winning twice.
Senegal is the current champion, having won the 2022 edition in Algeria.
The 2024 edition, postponed to August 2025, is being co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This is a historic event, as it marks the first time CHAN is being held across three nations and serves as a test run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, also to be hosted by the same trio.
As the tournament begins, here are some key players to watch:
From Kenya, Ryan Ogam and Austine Odhiambo are standout names.
Ogam is currently the top scorer in the Kenyan Premier League with 13 goals in just eight appearances.
Odhiambo has five league goals this season and added two more during the COSAFA Cup. His creativity and vision make him a standout at CHAN.
In Morocco, Ayoub Mouloua is one to watch after finishing as the Moroccan league’s top scorer at just 22 years old. He tallied 11 goals and 3 assists across 26 league appearances.
In Angola, striker João Manha “Kaporal” netted 22 goals to secure the Girabola top scorer title. His consistency also earned him second place in the league’s Player of the Season rankings.
DR Congo’s Oscar Kabwit is a key figure in the attack. His physical strength, agility, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat.
Zambia’s captain Kabaso Chongo — a former TP Mazembe centre-back now playing for Kabwe Warriors — brings experience and leadership in their quest for a second continental title.
For Tanzania, Clement Mzize is a major threat with his pace and finishing. The 21-year-old scored six goals in the Tanzanian Premier League.
Feisal Salum, a creative midfielder with vision and composure, is another player to watch.
From Madagascar, John Christiano Razafimanana and Rakotondraibe Toky Niaina stand out.
Christiano was instrumental in qualification, scoring in a key win over Eswatini. He’s known for his speed, awareness, and finishing.
Niaina, a prolific forward, scored 13 goals last season, helping his club finish runners-up.
Mauritania’s El Hacen El Id brings experience from his time at Spanish clubs Levante and Lugo.
Burkina Faso’s Khalifa Nikiema is a dynamic midfielder, known for his stamina, vision, and distribution. He is expected to anchor their midfield.
Central African Republic’s Saturnin Ngarsouma impressed in qualification with his agility and game-changing reflexes.
Uganda’s Allen Okello brings creativity and attacking impetus to the squad.
For Niger, Abraham Agora is a key defensive figure with attacking contributions as well. His teammate Abdouramane Mohamed is also vital, serving as a central defender and star performer.
Guinea’s Ibrahim Sory Sankhon is a box-to-box midfielder whose tenacity and experience from playing in Belgium make him one to watch.
In Algeria, Aimen Mahious has scored 17 goals in 26 appearances across domestic and continental competitions.
South Africa’s Neo Maema, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns as an attacking midfielder, is recognized for his creativity and goal involvement.
For Senegal, forwards Oumar Ba and midfielder Baye Assane Ciss are expected to shine. Ba brings physicality and sharp positioning, while Ciss is known for his vision and control.
Congo’s goalkeeper Chelcy Bonazebi stands out for his towering presence, reflexes, and game-reading ability.
Sudan’s Mohamed Abdel Rahman, the third-highest scorer in the country’s history, adds valuable experience from both local and international play.
Finally, for Nigeria, captain Junior Nduka will be crucial with his leadership and goal-scoring prowess, alongside Anas Yusuf, the top scorer in the Nigerian Premier League.
