The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as Morocco and Madagascar battle it out in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final this Saturday. For Morocco, it’s another opportunity to cement their dominance in recent years, while Madagascar will be chasing a historic first title on the continental stage.
As anticipation builds, fans are not only looking forward to the clash in the present but also reflecting on the legacy of the tournament itself. Since its inception in 2009, the tournament has produced unforgettable finals, showcasing the strength of locally based players and offering nations the chance to shine on African soil.
From dramatic extra-time winners to dominant displays by African football powerhouses, each final has added a new chapter to the competition’s growing story. With the 2024 edition set to crown yet another champion, Flashscore.com takes a look back at the past finals that have shaped the history of CHAN.
2009: DR Congo 2-0 Ghana
The first-ever African Nations Championship final in 2009 saw DR Congo write their name into the history books as the tournament’s inaugural champions.
Up against Ghana in Abidjan, the Congolese side played with confidence and composure, securing a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Mbenza Bedi and Dioko Kaluyituka.
Legendary playmaker Tresor Mputu was deservedly named Player of the Tournament, while Zambia’s Given Singuluma finished as top scorer with five goals.
DR Congo’s triumph not only brought immense pride to the nation but also underlined the importance of CHAN as a platform for showcasing the talent and strength of Africa’s home-based players.
2011: Tunisia 3-0 Angola
Tunisia claimed their first-ever CHAN title with a commanding 3–0 win over Angola at the Al Merreikh Stadium in Omdurman.
Goals from Mejdi Traoui, Zouheir Dhaouadi, and Oussama Darragi powered the Carthage Eagles past the Palancas Negras, who had been unbeaten on their way to the final.
The victory marked a historic moment for Tunisia, highlighting the strength and depth of their domestic league.
Zouheir Dhaouadi’s standout performances throughout the tournament earned him the Best Player award, while the Golden Boot was shared among five players, namely Algeria’s El Arbi Hillel Soudani, South Africa’s Myron Shongwe, Sudan’s Mudather Karika, and Tunisia’s own Dhaouadi and Salema Gasdaoui, with each finishing with three goals.
2014: Libya 0-0 (4-3 on pen) Ghana
The third edition of CHAN produced a nail-biting final as Libya and Ghana went head-to-head in a clash defined by grit and nerves.
After 120 minutes of football, the scoreboard remained untouched, with both teams unable to break the deadlock despite several chances at either end.
The destiny of the trophy came down to penalties where Libya kept their cool to edge out the Black Stars 4–3, clinching their first-ever CHAN crown.
Ghana, meanwhile, were left devastated once again, falling short in the final for the second time. Nigeria’s Ejike Uzoenyi was deservedly named Player of the Tournament, while South Africa’s Bernard Parker claimed the Golden Boot after scoring four times, all in the group stage.
2016: DR Congo 3-0 Mali
DR Congo put on a commanding display to defeat Mali 3–0 and lift the CHAN title for a second time. Meschak Elia stole the spotlight with a brilliant brace, while Jonathan Bolingi added a third to seal a convincing victory at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium.
The win reinforced the Leopards’ reputation as one of the tournament’s most formidable sides. For Mali, it was a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive campaign, as they were simply outclassed by a clinical Congolese performance.
Meschak Elia’s outstanding contribution earned him the Best Player award, while the Golden Boot was shared between Nigeria’s Chisom Chikatara, Elia, and Tunisia’s Ahmed Akaichi.
2018: Morocco 4-0 Nigeria
Morocco made history as the first host nation to win the African Nations Championship, beating 10-man Nigeria 4-0 in the final.
Zakaria Hadraf scored just before halftime, and the Super Eagles were reduced to ten men after Peter Eneji received a second yellow card.
After the break, Morocco dominated, with Walid El Karti and Hadraf adding quick goals, and Ayoub El Kaabi finishing with his ninth tournament goal.
Morocco’s strong attacks and clinical finishing showed their superiority, while Nigeria struggled to respond. El Kaabi was named both Best Player and top scorer.
2020: Morocco 2-0 Mali
Morocco became the first team to win back-to-back African Nations Championship (CHAN) titles with a 2-0 victory over Mali in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Both goals came from second-half corners, with Soufiane Bouftini scoring first and Ayoub El Kaabi, Morocco’s 2018 star, adding the second.
The Eagles ended the game with 10 players after Issaka Samake received a late red card following a VAR review. Soufiane Rahimi finished as the tournament’s top scorer and best player.
2022: Senegal 0-0 (5-4 on pen) Algeria
Algeria’s hopes of clinching the 2024 CHAN title on home soil ended in heartache as Senegal triumphed 5-4 on penalties following a goalless battle at Algiers’ Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Both teams battled fiercely, creating chances but failing to break the deadlock through regular and extra time. In the shootout, Senegal kept their composure, with Ousmane Diouf calmly converting the decisive penalty, while Algeria’s Ahmed Kendouci saw his chance slip away.
Despite the defeat, the Desert Foxes set a tournament record with six consecutive clean sheets, and individual honours went to Houssem Eddine Mrezigue as best player and Aymen Mahious, who claimed the golden boot with five goals.
