As the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicks off this weekend, defending champions Senegal will step onto East African soil with a clear mission: to retain their title and cement their status as a dominant force in African football.

 Their first hurdle? A heavyweight clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles B in what promises to be a pulsating group-stage opener.

Nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, Senegal’s locally based national team returns to the tournament with renewed vigour, guided by the tactical acumen of Coach Souleymane Diallo.

It marks only their third appearance in CHAN history—after outings in 2011 and 2022—but the West African nation already boasts an enviable record, having clinched their maiden title in the last edition.

Road to CHAN 2024: A Statement of Intent

Senegal booked their place at this year’s finals with a commanding performance in the qualifiers.

A 3-0 victory over Liberia in the first leg laid the foundation, and a controlled 1-1 draw in the return fixture completed the job.

The aggregate scoreline was not just a ticket to CHAN 2024, but a warning to the rest of the continent: the champions are back and as dangerous as ever.

Key Players to Watch

Among the rising stars in Senegal’s squad, Oumar Ba, a powerful forward from US Gorée, stands out.

Known for his aerial dominance, physical presence, and sharp finishing, Ba is expected to be the spearhead of the Lions’ attack.

 His ability to disrupt defences and seize scoring opportunities could be a decisive factor in tight matches.

Midfield dynamo Baye Assane Ciss also promises to play a critical role. With an eye for incisive passes and the discipline to marshal transitions, Ciss brings structure and creativity to the heart of the team.

 His performance against Nigeria’s compact midfield could tip the balance in this opening fixture.

The Diallo Blueprint

Coach Souleymane Diallo, formerly part of Senegal’s U20 coaching setup, has instilled a tactical identity built on high pressing, quick transitions, and fluid positional play.

 His preference for modern formations like the 4-3-3 allows for both defensive solidity and attacking flair.

Diallo’s influence is not limited to tactics; he has also championed the integration of young talent into the national structure, laying the groundwork for Senegal’s football future.

Challenges and Expectations

Despite their rich potential, Senegal faces the common CHAN challenge—limited international exposure for their home-based players.

However, their youthful exuberance, coupled with a strong team ethic, could be the catalyst for another deep run.

 Diallo’s men are not just chasing a trophy—they’re chasing history. No team has successfully defended the CHAN title since its inception in 2009.

Legacy and Aspiration

Senegal’s recent CHAN triumph in 2022 sparked the rise of several young stars, most notably Lamine Camara, who has since earned a move to AS Monaco and the prestigious CAF Young African Player of the Year award in both 2023 and 2024.

 It’s a testament to the tournament’s role in unearthing talent and to Senegal’s strategic investment in local football development.

Now, as the Lions of Teranga prepare to face Nigeria in one of the tournament’s headline fixtures, the stakes could not be higher.

For Senegal, this isn’t just a title defence—it’s a statement of sustained excellence.

Senegal at a Glance

• Nicknames: The Lions of Teranga
• CHAN Appearances: 2 (2011, 2022)
• Titles: 1 (2022)
• Best Finish: Champions (2022)
• First Match: vs. Nigeria, CHAN 2024 Group Stage

The roar of the champions will echo once more—will it be a repeat of glory or the start of a new chapter in CHAN history? All eyes turn to East Africa this weekend for the answer.

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As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) gets underway this weekend across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, anticipation is building—not just for who will win the trophy, but for who might carve their name into the competition’s elite hat-trick club.

Since the tournament’s inception in 2009, CHAN has served as a launchpad for local talent and a festival of raw, homegrown footballing passion.

Yet, in its 15-year history, only three players have managed to net a hat-trick in a single match—a rare and revered feat.

Nigeria’s own Chisom Chikatara is one of that select trio. Nicknamed “The Kolanut Boy,” the Abia Warriors striker came off the bench at CHAN 2016 in Rwanda to net three sensational second-half goals in a 4-1 victory over Niger.

Though the Super Eagles did not go far in the tournament, Chikatara’s electric display lit up headlines and briefly turned him into one of the continent’s most talked-about talents.

Before him, Zambia’s Given Singuluma set the pace in 2009, firing three past hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the maiden edition. His five-goal tally helped Zambia claim a third-place finish, while his performances earned him legendary status back home.

Then came the 2018 edition, and Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi. His eight goals—three of them in a single game against Guinea—guided the North Africans to their first CHAN title. El Kaabi’s remarkable run became the stuff of tournament folklore, and it also opened doors to European football for him.

“It was CHAN that gave me the biggest spotlight of my life,” he would later say.

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As the 2024 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 kicks off across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, we look back at the seven players who have claimed the prestigious Best Player of the Tournament award — an honour that has earned them a place in the CHAN Hall of Fame.

Since its inception in 2009, CHAN has celebrated the very best of local talent on the African continent — a stage exclusively reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues.

And in every edition, one player has risen above the rest to leave an indelible mark.

Among the hundreds who’ve competed, only seven players have walked away with the tournament’s most coveted individual honour: Best Player of the Tournament.

Each of these stars didn’t just impress—they defined the rhythm and spirit of their respective editions.

2009 – Tresor Mputu Mabi (DR Congo)

The tournament’s very first MVP remains one of its most iconic. A magician in midfield, Mputu’s vision, flair and leadership were instrumental in DR Congo’s maiden CHAN title triumph in Côte d’Ivoire. He set the bar for future editions, showing how CHAN could be a launchpad for stardom.

2011 – Zouheir Dhaouadi (Tunisia)

Two years later in Sudan, Zouheir Dhaouadi dazzled fans with his creativity and intelligent play. The Tunisian attacking midfielder not only pulled the strings for his team but also finished as joint top scorer. His performances powered Tunisia to their first CHAN title.

2014 – Ejike Uzoenyi (Nigeria)

In South Africa, Ejike Uzoenyi captured attention with his explosive pace and pinpoint deliveries from the left wing. The Nigerian winger was relentless throughout the tournament and was deservedly crowned MVP. His efforts earned him a spot in Nigeria’s 2014 World Cup squad — a rare feat for a CHAN star.

2016 – Meshack Elia (DR Congo)

Back to DR Congo dominance in 2016, Meshack Elia took over the spotlight in Rwanda. His trickery, acceleration and cold-blooded finishing lit up the tournament. Elia led DR Congo to their second CHAN crown and proved to be a nightmare for defenders.

2018 – Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)

No CHAN history can be told without mentioning Ayoub El Kaabi. The Moroccan striker wrote himself into folklore by scoring a record nine goals at CHAN 2018, helping his side lift the trophy on home soil. His devastating hat-trick against Guinea and continued brilliance made him the undisputed player of the tournament.

2020 – Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco)

Morocco repeated their feat in 2020 with Soufiane Rahimi stepping into the spotlight. A technically gifted forward with a keen eye for goal, Rahimi scored five times and pulled the strings in attack. His MVP award confirmed Morocco’s growing dominance in CHAN history.

2022 – Houssem Eddine Mrezigue (Algeria)

Most recently, Houssem Eddine Mrezigue anchored Algeria’s midfield with poise and control in the 2022 edition. Though his side narrowly missed the title, his consistent displays and tactical maturity earned him the Best Player accolade — and a deserved spot in CHAN’s elite club.

These seven players have etched their names in CHAN’s Hall of Fame — not just for their individual brilliance, but for how they elevated their teams and left a lasting legacy on the tournament.

Now, as CHAN 2024 unfolds across East Africa, a new chapter is being written. The next few weeks will reveal the stars of tomorrow — local talents ready to shine, inspire, and etch their names among Africa’s finest.

By the time the final whistle blows in Nairobi, one more player will be added to this coveted list of CHAN greats.

-CAFonline

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