CHAN Qualifiers – All You Need to Know

When following CHAN qualifiers, the series of matches that decide which African nations advance to the African Nations Championship tournament. Also known as African Nations Championship qualification, they feature only home‑based players who ply their trade in domestic leagues. The competition is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which sets the calendar, assigns venues and oversees ticket allocations. CHAN qualifiers are more than a stepping‑stone; they give local talent a chance to shine on a continental stage while fans get a taste of national pride without the star‑studded line‑ups you see in the World Cup.

How the qualification system works

The rollout begins with qualification groups that pit neighboring nations against each other in home‑and‑away fixtures. Each group’s winner (and sometimes the best runner‑up) punches their ticket to the final tournament. Group composition matters because travel distances, stadium quality and fan turnout can swing a tight match. For example, a recent clash in Ndola saw Nigeria edge past Zambia 2‑1, a result that reshaped Group B and highlighted how ticket scarcity can boost atmosphere and pressure on the pitch. Match venues range from modern stadiums in capital cities to modest community grounds, each bringing its own vibe and logistical challenges. National team rankings also play a role; higher‑ranked squads often host the decisive second leg, giving them a home‑field edge that can decide who moves forward.

Fans love the drama of CHAN qualifiers because every game can rewrite a nation’s football story. The stakes are high: a win secures a spot in the main event, while a loss can dim a player’s chance to be scouted by overseas clubs. Ticket sales usually spike when big rivals meet, yet some fixtures suffer from limited seating, prompting discussions about expanding stadium capacity. Looking ahead, the upcoming rounds will feature showdowns like DR Congo vs South Sudan and Kosovo vs Slovenia, mixing African passion with occasional inter‑confederation intrigue. Below you’ll find a curated list of recent qualifier reports, player highlights, and analysis that capture the pulse of this unique tournament. Keep reading to see how each match shapes the road to the African Nations Championship.