The African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are both premier football competitions in Africa, but they differ significantly in format and purpose.
CHAN, introduced in 2009, features only players active in their country's domestic leagues.
It aims to showcase homegrown talent and provide a stepping stone to international exposure. A Kenyan player based abroad, for instance, is not eligible to compete in CHAN.
On the other hand, AFCON, which dates back to 1957, includes all eligible players, regardless of their base, including those in foreign clubs.
AFCON is widely regarded as more prestigious and competitive, drawing massive international attention.
While CHAN focuses on development, AFCON is a full-fledged contest to crown Africa’s best national team.
Overall, CHAN provides emerging local stars with a chance to shine, while AFCON is the continent’s premier stage for elite-level footballers from across the globe.
