2025 African Nations Championship: 18 nations in the lineup

The upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, scheduled for February 1-28 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, has confirmed its 18-nation lineup, with Morocco emerging as the sole North African representative following regional withdrawals.

Qualification rounds produced notable surprises, with the Central African Republic making history by eliminating Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions through a dramatic 2-1 victory in Bafoussam. The win, secured via the away goals rule after a narrow first-leg defeat, marks their first-ever CHAN qualification.

Mauritania also secured an unexpected spot by overcoming Mali, holding them to a goalless draw in Bamako after a 1-0 home victory. Defending champions Senegal confirmed their participation with a convincing 3-0 victory over Liberia, aiming to retain the title they won in 2023 against Algeria on penalties.

The tournament faced setbacks with Tunisia and Libya withdrawing despite receiving automatic qualification alongside Morocco. The host nations gained automatic entry, while Sudan successfully qualified despite ongoing domestic challenges, defeating Ethiopia 4-1 on aggregate.

The final lineup features regional powerhouses Nigeria and DR Congo, alongside Burkina Faso, Guinea, Rwanda, Zambia, Angola, and Madagascar. The Confederation of African Football has yet to announce the group stage draw date, leaving teams awaiting their tournament pathways.