The African Nations Championship (CHAN) has long been a launchpad for African-based players to secure moves abroad, with Moroccan stars among the most notable beneficiaries.
The eighth edition of the tournament is currently under way across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 2–30 August, continuing its tradition as a showcase for domestic talent.
Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, CHAN features only players active in their home leagues, making it a prime scouting ground for coaches, technical teams and club recruiters seeking the continent’s next breakthrough performers.
Over the years, several Moroccan internationals have used the competition to propel themselves onto the global stage.
Among the most celebrated success stories is Ayoub El Kaabi, whose dazzling displays at the 2018 tournament in Morocco turned heads across Africa and beyond.
The prolific striker netted nine goals in six matches — the highest tally ever recorded in a single CHAN edition — while also claiming both the top scorer and best player awards.
His goals helped Morocco lift the trophy on home soil, cementing his status as the tournament’s standout figure.
El Kaabi’s performances sparked widespread interest from clubs abroad, and by the summer of 2023, he had signed for Greek giants Olympiakos.
There, his form reached new heights. In the UEFA Europa Conference League, he struck 11 goals in nine games, leading Olympiakos to their first major European title.
His tally set a new record for goals in the knockout phase of a UEFA competition, surpassing even the feats of Karim Benzema.
El Kaabi ended the campaign as the competition’s top scorer and best player, becoming the first African to score more than 10 goals in the tournament’s history.
Soufiane Rahimi offers another striking example of CHAN’s impact.
The forward shone at the 2020 edition in Cameroon, guiding Morocco to their second consecutive title.
His performances caught the attention of overseas clubs, and in 2021, he joined Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.
Rahimi’s influence was decisive in the 2023–24 season, when he inspired Al Ain to AFC Champions League glory.
He finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals and was named best player, further validating his rise from domestic standout to continental star.
Beyond Morocco, CHAN has served as a career springboard for other African talents, including Senegal’s Papy Djilobodji, DR Congo’s Jonathan Bolingi, and Burkina Faso’s Cyril Bayala, all of whom earned international moves after strong showings in the competition.
With each edition, CHAN reinforces its reputation as a vital pathway for local-based players, offering a stage to display their talent and opening doors to global opportunities in professional football.
