The Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) is a tournament reserved for players from their country’s domestic leagues. The tournament may not always feature household names such as those who participate in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, the success of previous tournaments proves CHAN’s value as a launchpad for domestic-based talent. Here’s a look at some players who made it big on the continental and global stage on the back of a strong performance in the Africa Nations Championship.
Meschack Elia (DR Congo, CHAN 2016)
Elia was the leading marksman as the Democratic Republic of Congo sealed a second CHAN title. Half of his tournament-leading four goals came in the final as his side brushed aside Mali 3-0. Following his exploits, he joined Congolese giants TP Mazembe and helped them win the CAF Confederation Cup twice, as well as the CAF Super Cup. Elia left Mazembe after three years to join Swiss side BSC Young Boys. He won the Swiss Super League thrice and the Swiss Cup twice with the Bern-based club.
Aliou Dieng (Mali, CHAN 2016)
At just 19, Dieng enjoyed an outstanding tournament, leading Mali from his defensive midfield position to the final. He dominated the midfield, showing great ball-winning skills and control in the middle of the pitch. One memorable moment was a calmly taken penalty that helped Mali secure a 2-1 win against Tunisia in the quarterfinals. Mali went on to finish as runners-up to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Dieng’s performances earned him a move to Algerian side MC Alger. After just one season, Dieng signed for Al Ahly and matured into one of the best midfielders in African club football, winning several domestic and continental trophies, including the Egyptian Premier League and the CAF Champions League.
Ali Maâloul (Tunisia, CHAN 2016)
Ali Maâloul has emerged as one of Africa’s most talented and versatile defenders at the 2016 tournament. Maâloul delivered some eye-catching performances in Rwanda, which showcased his impressive overlaps, pinpoint crosses, and fierce shots at goal. Despite his best efforts, Tunisia exited the tournament at the quarterfinal stage. His displays earned him a big move from Tunisian giants CS Sfaxien to continental powerhouse Al Ahly, where he further enhanced his legacy as one of the continent’s best full-backs. He won several honors with the Egyptian club, including seven Egyptian league titles, the Egyptian Cup and Super Cup, four Champions League titles, and the CAF Super Cup. He also finished as the joint top scorer at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
Yves Bissouma (Mali, CHAN 2016)
Bissouma caught the eye of French scouts at the tournament with his composure and flair, tactical versatility, technical ability, and youthful promise. He was a substitute in most matches, but made the most of his time on the pitch. He is best remembered for his spectacular late semi-final goal against Côte d’Ivoire that sent Mali into the CHAN final for the first time in the nation’s history. Bissouma joined French side LOSC Lille from AS Bamako just months after the tournament and became a key player for the club. He left Lille to join Brighton & Hove Albion, and then transferred to Tottenham Hotspur, where he earned a reputation as one of Africa’s top midfielders in Europe.
Bissouma played a key role as Tottenham won the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League, ending the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy.
Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco, CHAN 2018)
A two-time CHAN winner and arguably one of the tournament’s greatest ever players and exports. El Kaabi dominated the 2018 edition on home soil. The striker announced himself to the continent and the world, scoring a staggering nine goals – the record for most goals in a single CHAN tournament – propelling Morocco to the title. He also scooped the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards.
El Kaabi’s finishing and movement ignited interest from clubs abroad, and he eventually made a move to China’s Hebei China Fortune. He then played for Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club – and won a league title with them – then Hatayspor in Türkiye, where he continued his excellent scoring form. He briefly played for Qatari side Al Sadd before joining Greek giants Olympiacos, where he became a standout success.
El Kaabi helped the club win the Super League, the Greek Cup, and the UEFA Conference League. He also finished as the top scorer of both the 2023/24 UEFA Conference League (11 goals) and the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League (seven goals).
Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco, CHAN 2020)
Rahimi was already regarded as a consistent performer for Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca. He helped the team win a league title, two CAF Confederation Cups, and the Arab Club Champions Cup. But his breakout performance in Cameroon in 2021 made the world sit up and take note. Rahimi, like El Kaabi, scooped the Golden Boot (five goals) and Player of the Tournament awards as the Atlas Lions became the first team to win successive CHAN titles. He left Raja and joined the Emirati side Al Ain, where he won a league title and league cup in his first season. His biggest moment, however, came two years later when he led Al Ain to the AFC Champions League and ended the tournament as the top marksman with 13 goals.
