A legacy of local heroes: TotalEnergies CAF CHAN Champions Timeline

Since its inception in 2009, the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) has become a platform to celebrate local talent.

Reserved exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues, the competition showcases raw potential and national pride.

As the tournament heads to East Africa for the 2025 edition, CAFOnline takes a look at how each champion claimed their respective titles.

2009 – DR Congo (Hosts: Côte d’Ivoire)

The inaugural TotalEnergies CAF CHAN was won by DR Congo, who asserted their dominance early. Despite a rocky group stage that included a 3–0 loss to Ghana, the Leopards regrouped and made it all the way to the final. There, they got their revenge, defeating Ghana 2–0 to lift the first-ever TotalEnergies CHAN in Cote d’Ivoire.

2011 – Tunisia (Hosts: Sudan)

In the second edition held in Sudan, Tunisia emerged victorious with a strong and structured team. After advancing past Algeria in the semi-finals on penalties, the Carthage Eagles overwhelmed Angola 3–0 in the final, showing tactical superiority and disciplined football.

2014 – Libya (Hosts: South Africa)

Libya’s run in 2014 was nothing short of dramatic. Every knockout match ended in a draw and was decided by penalties. They beat Gabon and Zimbabwe in shootouts before edging Ghana 4–3 in the final. Their resilience and composure under pressure marked one of the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN competition’s most remarkable campaigns.

2016 – DR Congo (Hosts: Rwanda)

DR Congo returned to the top in 2016 with a commanding campaign. The Leopards defeated hosts Rwanda in the quarter-finals, edged Guinea in a tight semi-final, and dismantled Mali 3–0 in the final to become the first two-time champions of the competition.

This was also the first time the tournament was hosted in East Africa as it prepares to make its return in August when Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda stage the finals.

2018 – Morocco (Hosts: Morocco)

As hosts, Morocco made history by becoming the first nation to lift the title on home soil. They were dominant throughout, scoring freely and playing with flair. Their 4–0 win over Nigeria in the final reflected a squad brimming with talent and confidence.

2020 – Morocco (Hosts: Cameroon)

Morocco defended their title in Cameroon, becoming the first back-to-back CHAN winners. They overcame Cameroon 4–0 in the semi-finals and edged Mali 2–0 in the final. The Atlas Lions' mix of technical skill and defensive discipline proved too much for their opponents.

The Atlas Lions’ title defense saw them join DR Congo as the two nations to have two TotalEnergies CAF CHAN titles to their names.

2022 – Senegal (Hosts: Algeria)

In the most recent edition, Senegal clinched their maiden TotalEnergies CAF CHAN title. After a tight tournament marked by narrow wins and defensive solidity, they faced hosts Algeria in the final. After a goalless draw, the Lions of Teranga triumphed 5–4 on penalties, capping a new chapter in West African football.

Eyes on 2025

With Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda co-hosting the next edition, East Africa will take centre stage for the first time. With rising domestic talent and historic ambition, the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2025 promises to be a thrilling showcase of Africa’s grassroots football potential.

For a full list of fixtures and venues, CLICK HERE