Since its inception in 2009, the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has become a vital platform for homegrown African talent. Unlike its bigger brother, the Africa Cup of Nations, CHAN is a celebration of local leagues, and a tour of its host cities is a journey through Africa's most iconic and modern footballing arenas. Let's take a look back at the stadiums that have hosted this incredible tournament.
2009: Ivory Coast
The inaugural CHAN tournament was a modest affair with only eight teams, but it laid the groundwork for future editions. The tournament was hosted in two cities: the economic capital, Abidjan, and the city of Bouaké. The matches were played at the legendary Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, a historic venue with a capacity of 40,000, and the Stade Bouaké, which holds 35,000 spectators. These two stadiums set the stage for the first-ever CHAN champions, DR Congo, to make their mark on history.
2011: Sudan
The 2011 edition was a significant expansion, featuring 16 teams for the first time. Sudan hosted the tournament across five venues in four different cities. Matches were held at the Al Merreikh Stadium and AlHilal Stadium in Omdurman, the Khartoum Stadium, the Port Sudan Stadium, and the Wad Madani Stadium. This wide-ranging host setup allowed the tournament to reach more fans and showcased Sudan's impressive football infrastructure.
2014: South Africa
South Africa, fresh off hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, provided world-class venues for the 2014 CHAN. The tournament was held in three cities: Cape Town, Polokwane, and Bloemfontein. The stunning Cape Town Stadium, a legacy of the World Cup, was a key venue, alongside the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Matches were also played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane and the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. The tournament's success highlighted the country's ability to host major international football events.
2016: Rwanda
Rwanda's hosting of CHAN 2016 was a vibrant display of the nation's passion for football. Four stadiums across three cities were used. In the capital, Kigali, matches were held at the Amahoro Stadium and the Stade Régional Nyamirambo. The tournament also made its way to the Stade Huye in Butare and the Umuganda Stadium in Gisenyi, showcasing Rwanda's commitment to developing its sporting infrastructure beyond the capital.
2018: Morocco
Morocco's CHAN 2018 was a masterclass in organization and spectacle. The tournament was hosted in four major cities, each with a stadium that could hold a huge crowd. The Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca hosted the thrilling final where the hosts were crowned champions. Other venues included the magnificent Stade de Marrakech, the Stade Adrar in Agadir, and the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier, all known for their modern facilities and electric atmospheres.
2020: Cameroon
Originally scheduled for 2020 but played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cameroon edition was a dress rehearsal for the Africa Cup of Nations. It featured state-of-the-art stadiums in Yaounde, Limbe, and Douala. The Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde was the main hub, hosting the opening and closing matches. The newly-built Japoma Stadium and Reunification Stadium in Douala, as well as the Limbe Stadium, also hosted games, showcasing some of Africa's newest and best stadiums.
2022: Algeria
The most recent edition of CHAN was hosted in Algeria, where brand new stadiums were unveiled for the occasion. The tournament's final was held at the magnificent, newly-inaugurated Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers. Other venues included the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine, and the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba. The impeccable organization and stunning venues made this one of the most successful CHAN tournaments to date.
2024: The East African Triple Threat
The upcoming 2024 CHAN tournament will be a historic event, co-hosted by three East African nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This is a crucial step for the region as it prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The matches will be spread across five venues: the Moi International Sports Centre and Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City, and the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The opening game is at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, and the final will be played in Nairobi at the Moi International Sports Centre.