African Nations Championship (CHAN): Guide to the Tournament

African Nations Championship (CHAN) is Africa's tournament for national teams made up only of players who compete in their home country's leagues. It gives local stars a stage without Europe-based players, so you often see fresh names, raw talent and fast, physical games. CHAN runs every two years and follows a group stage then knockout format similar to other big tournaments.

How CHAN works

Qualification happens across Africa's regional zones. Each country picks a squad from its domestic league only - no overseas pros allowed. The tournament usually starts with groups of four teams; the top two advance to knockouts. That keeps things compact and intense: group games matter and there are few chances to recover from a slip-up. Coaches often mix experienced domestic veterans with young prospects pushing for a transfer.

CHAN matters because it shines a light on players who rarely get continental attention. Scouts from bigger African clubs and European teams watch closely. A standout performance can lead to a move abroad or a call-up to the full national team. For fans, it's a chance to cheer for homegrown stars and see the depth of local leagues.

Successful domestic leagues tend to produce strong CHAN sides. Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, DR Congo, Nigeria and South Africa usually bring competitive squads. Keep an eye on forwards who score in domestic cups and midfielders who control pace in league games - they often become the match winners here. Don't sleep on underdogs; CHAN history includes surprise runs from smaller nations that built momentum with one striker or a tight defence.

How to watch and follow

Broadcast rights vary by country. In many African markets, sports networks like SuperSport pick up rights, while some matches stream on continental platforms or CAF's official channels. If you're outside the broadcast region, try FIFA or CAF social channels, league YouTube pages, or a trusted streaming service. Follow team social accounts for lineups, local journalists for live updates, and football trackers for stats.

Check local league calendars so you know which domestic stars are match-fit. Watch qualifiers to spot emerging players before the main event. If you want betting or fantasy action, focus on players who consistently start for their clubs; squad rotation is frequent in CHAN, so pick players with guaranteed minutes.

Beyond transfers, CHAN boosts local fan interest and gives coaches a clearer view of national depth. Host cities enjoy a short economic lift from fans and media. For many players, CHAN is the launchpad they needed to reach the next level.

Expect fast, physical games and loud crowds. Stadiums fill with local supporters and that creates real pressure. Coaches pick players in form at home, so follow domestic league leaders to spot likely starters. That makes CHAN a practical scouting ground for serious fans.

Want the latest CHAN news, fixtures and match recaps? Bookmark this tag to get updates and quick reads on every game, result and breakout star.