The 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), set to begin in 29 days, marks the eighth edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009. This year's competition, hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will kick off on August 2, 2024, and conclude on August 30 in Nairobi. Tanzania will open the tournament against Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

CHAN, a unique tournament for players active in their domestic leagues, has seen a variety of winners and standout performers over the years. Here’s a recap of the past editions:

2009: DR Congo's Inaugural Triumph

The first edition, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, saw DR Congo claim victory with a 2-0 win over Ghana in the final. Goals from Alain Dioko Kaluyituka and Hugues Bedi Mbeza sealed the win. Santos Mutumbile coached the team, while Zambia’s Given Singuluma emerged as the top scorer with five goals. Tresor Mputu of DR Congo was named the tournament’s MVP.

2011: Tunisia Dominates in Sudan

Tunisia took the title in the second edition, hosted by Sudan, with a 3-0 victory over Angola. Mejdi Traoui, Zouheir Dhaouadi, and Oussama Darragi scored in the final. Sami Trabelsi was the winning coach, and Dhaouadi also claimed the MVP award. The golden boot was shared by five players, including Dhaouadi and South Africa’s Myron Shongwe.

2014: Libya’s Penalty Shootout Win

Hosted by South Africa, the third edition saw Libya defeat Ghana 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw. Spanish coach Javier Clemente led Libya to victory. Bernard Parker of South Africa was the top scorer with four goals, while Nigeria’s Ejike Uzoenyi was named MVP.

2016: DR Congo’s Second Title

DR Congo triumphed again in Rwanda, defeating Mali in the final. Elia Meschak’s brace and Jonathan Bolingi’s goal secured the win. Coach Florent Ibenge guided the team, and Meschak also earned the MVP award, sharing the top scorer title with Ahmed Akaichi and Chisom Chikatara, each with four goals.

2018: Morocco’s Dominance Begins

Morocco claimed their first CHAN title on home soil, thrashing Nigeria 4-0 in the final. Zakaria Hadraf scored twice, and Ayoub El Karbi, the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals, was named MVP. Coach Jamal Sellami led the team to victory.

2020: Morocco Repeats Success

Morocco became the first team to defend their title, defeating Mali 2-0 in Cameroon. Ayoub El Karbi and Soufiane Bouftini scored the goals. Hussein Amouta was the winning coach, and Soufiane Rahimi, with five goals, took home both the MVP and top scorer awards.

2022: Senegal’s Historic Win

Senegal won the seventh edition in Algeria, defeating the hosts 5-4 on penalties. Coach Pape Thiaw led the team, while Algeria’s Aymen Mahious was the top scorer with five goals. Houssem Eddine Mrezigue of Algeria was named MVP.

2024: Who Will Lift the Trophy?

As East Africa prepares to host CHAN for the first time, the question remains: which team will emerge victorious in this year’s tournament? With Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania co-hosting, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in CHAN history.

Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to CHAN 2024 continues.